| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Spartanburg/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,629 | n/a (estimate) | 6,709 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 5.1 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 34 | n/a | 86.8 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 64 | n/a | 163.3 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 480 | n/a | 1,224.9 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 580 | n/a (estimate) | 1,480 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 370 | n/a | 944.2 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,432 | n/a | 3,654.4 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 247 | n/a | 630.3 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,049 | n/a (estimate) | 5,229 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Spartanburg is 216.6% 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 Spartanburg, there were 580 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1480 per 100,000 individuals, 312.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 2049 property crimes, amounting to 5229 per 100,000 residents, 197.1% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 6709 per 100,000 residents, Spartanburg has a crime rate that is 216.58% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Spartanburg that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Spartanburg has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1480 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Spartanburg falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 68 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
With a property crime rate of 5229 crimes per 100,000 people, Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 20, 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.
With a total of 247 vehicle thefts last year, Spartanburg has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 630 per 100,000 people. This lands Spartanburg in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 159.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Spartanburg residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 98 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 29% of Spartanburg 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, 71% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Spartanburg, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Spartanburg presents a total crime rate that is 217% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Spartanburg experiences an average of 7.2 daily crimes, comprising 1.59 violent incidents and 5.61 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Spartanburg. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Spartanburg has decreased by 10.3%. Violent crimes have decreased by 0.7%, while property crimes have decreased by 12.7%. 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 Spartanburg crime rates. Spartanburg registers a population density of 1963.3 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Spartanburg has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Spartanburg has a median home price of $241,634, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Spartanburg | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 150 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Reidville, SC | 1,358 | 75 | 336 | 410 |
| Roebuck, SC | 2,870 | 147 | 660 | 807 |
| Mayo, SC | 1,830 | 164 | 738 | 902 |
| Lyman, SC | 3,732 | 203 | 755 | 958 |
| Wellford, SC | 2,755 | 107 | 913 | 1,021 |
| Fairforest, SC | 1,544 | 193 | 867 | 1,060 |
| Arcadia, SC | 3,103 | 266 | 1,198 | 1,465 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 38,808 | 1,480 | 5,229 | 6,709 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Atlantic City, NJ | 38,810 | 1,780 | 6,237 | 8,017 |
| Hanover Park, IL | 38,780 | 126 | 416 | 542 |
| Park Ridge, IL | 38,854 | 96 | 848 | 944 |
| Valley Stream, NY | 38,754 | 253 | 1,143 | 1,395 |
| Navarre, FL | 38,864 | 193 | 1,026 | 1,219 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 38,808 | 1,480 | 5,229 | 6,709 |
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