| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Surfside Beach/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 162 | n/a (estimate) | 3,767 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 46.5 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 46.5 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 139.5 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 233 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 279.0 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 125 | n/a | 2,906.3 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 15 | n/a | 348.8 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 152 | n/a (estimate) | 3,534 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Surfside Beach crime rate is higher than the national average by 62.1%. Specifically, there were 10 violent crimes in Surfside Beach, equivalent to 233 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 37.1%. Furthermore, Surfside Beach recorded 152 property crimes, amounting to 3534 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 80.8%.
In the most recently reported crime year, Surfside Beach 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.
Surfside Beach faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3534 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Surfside Beach stands at 1 in 29, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Surfside Beach. Based on the results of the surveys (5 responses), 60% of people felt that there was very little crime in Surfside Beach and felt safe walking alone at night. While 40% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Surfside Beach is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Surfside Beach has a total crime rate that is 62% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.44 daily crimes (0.03 violent daily crimes and 0.42 daily property crimes) in Surfside Beach.
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 Surfside Beach 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 Surfside Beach has increased by 11% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 23.1% and property crime has increased by 14.3%.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Surfside Beach crime rate. The poverty level in Surfside Beach is 8.8%, while the national average is 15.1%.
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.
Surfside Beach has an average rental rate of $1,091 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| 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 |
| Briarcliffe Acres, SC | 529 | 198 | 932 | 1,131 |
| Pawleys Island, SC | 83 | 198 | 932 | 1,131 |
| Murrells Inlet, SC | 9,292 | 248 | 1,168 | 1,416 |
| Forestbrook, SC | 7,613 | 341 | 1,603 | 1,944 |
| Garden City, SC | 11,193 | 446 | 2,099 | 2,545 |
| Red Hill, SC | 16,290 | 466 | 2,189 | 2,654 |
| Socastee, SC | 25,846 | 558 | 2,622 | 3,180 |
| Surfside Beach, SC | 4,470 | 233 | 3,534 | 3,767 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sherman, IL | 4,470 | 0 | 369 | 369 |
| Fort Pierce South, FL | 4,468 | 173 | 1,043 | 1,216 |
| Viroqua, WI | 4,472 | 90 | 2,081 | 2,171 |
| Watertown, MN | 4,473 | 183 | 1,284 | 1,467 |
| South Greeley, WY | 4,473 | 198 | 1,603 | 1,801 |
| Surfside Beach, SC | 4,470 | 233 | 3,534 | 3,767 |
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