| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Surfside Beach/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 91 | n/a (estimate) | 2,079 | 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 | 10 | n/a | 228.5 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 228 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 24 | n/a | 548.3 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 46 | n/a | 1,050.9 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 251.3 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 81 | n/a (estimate) | 1,851 | 1,966 | 1,760 |
The Surfside Beach crime rates are 1.9% lower 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 10 violent crimes in Surfside Beach (228 per 100,000 people), which is 36.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 81 property crimes (1851 per 100,000 residents) which is 5.1% higher than average.
The Surfside Beach crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Surfside Beach, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Surfside Beach reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Surfside Beach is very similar to the national average. Surfside Beach had a property crime rate of 1851, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
AreaVibes surveyed 9 local residents in Surfside Beach to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 56% of people answered that there was very little crime in Surfside Beach and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 44% 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 Surfside Beach 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, Surfside Beach has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 2%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.25 daily incidents, encompassing 0.03 violent crimes and 0.22 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Surfside Beach as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Surfside Beach. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Surfside Beach has decreased by 37.7%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 23.1%, while property crime has decreased by 39.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Surfside Beach.
In Surfside Beach, the poverty rate currently stands at 8.8%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Surfside Beach crime rates.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Surfside Beach, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Surfside Beach, the average monthly rent stands at $1,679, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Surfside Beach | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 28 | 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 |
| Murrells Inlet, SC | 9,626 | 153 | 690 | 843 |
| Briarcliffe Acres, SC | 540 | 177 | 794 | 971 |
| Pawleys Island, SC | 86 | 177 | 794 | 971 |
| Forestbrook, SC | 7,853 | 259 | 1,164 | 1,423 |
| Garden City, SC | 11,443 | 333 | 1,499 | 1,832 |
| Red Hill, SC | 16,638 | 419 | 1,886 | 2,306 |
| Socastee, SC | 26,401 | 423 | 1,905 | 2,328 |
| Surfside Beach, SC | 4,617 | 228 | 1,851 | 2,079 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Millis-Clicquot, MA | 4,617 | 161 | 568 | 729 |
| Shelley, ID | 4,617 | 207 | 886 | 1,093 |
| Ogallala, NE | 4,618 | 173 | 1,711 | 1,884 |
| Millsboro, DE | 4,616 | 419 | 2,360 | 2,778 |
| Sherman, IL | 4,619 | 0 | 197 | 197 |
| Surfside Beach, SC | 4,617 | 228 | 1,851 | 2,079 |
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