| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Seneca/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 213 | n/a (estimate) | 2,339 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 11.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 22.0 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 22.0 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 51 | n/a | 560.1 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 56 | n/a (estimate) | 615 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 29 | n/a | 318.5 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 116 | n/a | 1,273.9 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 131.8 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 157 | n/a (estimate) | 1,724 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Seneca is 10.4% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Seneca, there were 56 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 615 per 100,000 individuals, 71.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 157 property crimes, amounting to 1724 per 100,000 residents, 2% lower than the U.S. average.
When assessing the total crime rate in Seneca per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Seneca, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Seneca stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Seneca, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
In the most recent release, Seneca reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Seneca, there were 1724 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
AreaVibes surveyed 20 local residents in Seneca to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 55% of people answered that there was very little crime in Seneca and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 45% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Seneca a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Seneca has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 10%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.58 daily incidents, encompassing 0.15 violent crimes and 0.43 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Seneca as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Seneca has decreased by 10.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Seneca, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 9.8%, while property crime has decreased by 16%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Seneca is a safe place to live.
In Seneca, the current unemployment rate stands at 6.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Seneca crime rates.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Seneca, the cost of living is 7.67% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 Seneca is $296,844, compared to a national average of $326,622.
| Item | Seneca | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 46 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.6 | 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 |
| Gumlog, GA | 2,430 | 84 | 429 | 513 |
| Fair Play, SC | 292 | 177 | 794 | 971 |
| Utica, SC | 1,823 | 184 | 829 | 1,013 |
| Walhalla, SC | 4,517 | 236 | 802 | 1,038 |
| Six Mile, SC | 981 | 190 | 853 | 1,043 |
| Central, SC | 5,461 | 56 | 1,255 | 1,311 |
| Centerville, SC | 7,025 | 303 | 1,361 | 1,664 |
| Seneca, SC | 8,653 | 615 | 1,724 | 2,339 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Park City, UT | 8,649 | 415 | 1,963 | 2,378 |
| Cape St. Claire, MD | 8,658 | 241 | 1,178 | 1,420 |
| Evergreen, MT | 8,660 | 378 | 1,441 | 1,819 |
| Dormont, PA | 8,661 | 77 | 574 | 651 |
| Spring Valley Lake, CA | 8,645 | 461 | 1,973 | 2,434 |
| Seneca, SC | 8,653 | 615 | 1,724 | 2,339 |
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