| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | St. Matthews/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 1,756 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 329.3 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 329 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 164.7 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 17 | n/a | 933.0 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 329.3 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 1,427 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in St. Matthews is 17.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes reported in St. Matthews, equivalent to 329 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 8.3%. Additionally, St. Matthews recorded 26 property crimes, amounting to 1427 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 18.9%.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in St. Matthews is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. St. Matthews reported 329 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
In the most recently reported crime year, St. Matthews registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Determining whether St. Matthews is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, St. Matthews has an overall crime rate that is 17% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.09 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.07 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of St. Matthews as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in St. Matthews crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in St. Matthews has decreased by 70.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 33.3% and property crime has decreased by 74%.
St. Matthews has a population density of 1278.3 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower St. Matthews crime rates.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 St. Matthews, the cost of living is 10.99% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In St. Matthews, there are 2.94 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | St. Matthews | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 6 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 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 |
| Cameron, SC | 345 | 364 | 1,636 | 1,999 |
| Brookdale, SC | 4,871 | 411 | 1,847 | 2,258 |
| Eastover, SC | 702 | 648 | 2,916 | 3,564 |
| Elloree, SC | 988 | 368 | 3,309 | 3,676 |
| Gadsden, SC | 1,003 | 698 | 3,141 | 3,840 |
| St. Matthews, SC | 2,455 | 329 | 1,427 | 1,756 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Richland, MO | 2,455 | 403 | 1,670 | 2,073 |
| Spring Valley, MN | 2,455 | 132 | 824 | 955 |
| Olivia, MN | 2,456 | 44 | 661 | 705 |
| Warsaw, VA | 2,453 | 0 | 771 | 771 |
| Judsonia, AR | 2,453 | 529 | 688 | 1,218 |
| St. Matthews, SC | 2,455 | 329 | 1,427 | 1,756 |
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