| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Orangeburg/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 993 | n/a (estimate) | 7,455 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 30.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 22.5 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 25 | n/a | 187.7 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 134 | n/a | 1,006.0 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 166 | n/a (estimate) | 1,246 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 148 | n/a | 1,111.1 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 607 | n/a | 4,557.1 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 72 | n/a | 540.5 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 827 | n/a (estimate) | 6,209 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
The Orangeburg crime rates are 251.8% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 166 violent crimes in Orangeburg (1246 per 100,000 people), which is 247.1% higher than the national average and there were a total of 827 property crimes (6209 per 100,000 residents) which is 252.8% higher than average.
Having a crime rate of 7455 per 100,000 residents, Orangeburg experiences a crime rate that is 251.78% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Orangeburg contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Orangeburg ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1246 per 100,000 people, Orangeburg is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 81 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Orangeburg, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Orangeburg has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 4 murders in Orangeburg, which is 30 murders per 100,000 people.
With a property crime rate of 6209 crimes per 100,000 people, Orangeburg unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Orangeburg is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 17, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Orangeburg is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Orangeburg reported a total of 72 vehicle thefts, resulting in 541 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 185, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Orangeburg residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 40 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 30% of Orangeburg residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 70% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Orangeburg a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Orangeburg crime rate is 252% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.72 crimes per day - 0.45 violent crimes and 2.27 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Orangeburg. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Orangeburg has increased by 1.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 34.7%, while property crimes have increased by 13.6%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Orangeburg crime rates. Orangeburg registers a population density of 1452.4 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Orangeburg, the cost of living is 12.34% lower than the national average.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Orangeburg is $197,955, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Orangeburg | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 87 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 6.2 | 5.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | South Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| South Carolina | 15,193 | 377 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wilkinson Heights, SC | 1,937 | 215 | 968 | 1,183 |
| Edisto, SC | 2,045 | 225 | 1,011 | 1,235 |
| St. Matthews, SC | 2,455 | 329 | 1,427 | 1,756 |
| Cameron, SC | 345 | 364 | 1,636 | 1,999 |
| Brookdale, SC | 4,871 | 411 | 1,847 | 2,258 |
| Norway, SC | 401 | 554 | 2,491 | 3,045 |
| Cordova, SC | 233 | 575 | 2,588 | 3,163 |
| Orangeburg, SC | 13,075 | 1,246 | 6,209 | 7,455 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Richmond, TX | 13,080 | 249 | 2,741 | 2,990 |
| Smithfield, NC | 13,082 | 490 | 3,564 | 4,054 |
| Commerce, CA | 13,066 | 1,448 | 12,360 | 13,808 |
| East Islip, NY | 13,085 | 198 | 898 | 1,096 |
| Woodland Park, NJ | 13,086 | 75 | 990 | 1,065 |
| Orangeburg, SC | 13,075 | 1,246 | 6,209 | 7,455 |
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