| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Surfside Beach/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 564 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 141.0 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 141 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 141.0 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2 | n/a | 282.1 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 423 | 2,041 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Surfside Beach is 73.4% lower 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 Surfside Beach, there were 1 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 141 per 100,000 individuals, 60.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 3 property crimes, amounting to 423 per 100,000 residents, 76% lower than the U.S. average.
Surfside Beach proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 564, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions Surfside Beach as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.
During the most recently reported crime year, Surfside Beach experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Surfside Beach records a property crime rate of 423 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Surfside Beach as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
The United States contends with some of the globe's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, merely a small fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by vehicle theft reports. In this regard, Surfside Beach stands out as one of those cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in its most recent crime report.
What do the local residents think about crime in Surfside Beach? Well, based on a recent survey of 9 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 56% of Surfside Beach residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 44% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they 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 73% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.01 daily crimes (0 violent daily crimes and 0.01 daily property crimes) in Surfside Beach.
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 87.5%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 85.7%, while property crime has decreased by 88%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Surfside Beach.
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 Surfside Beach, there are 12 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.
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 Surfside Beach is $332,451, compared to a national average of $326,622.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Surfside Beach, the average rental rates are $2,447 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Surfside Beach | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 6 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 12.0 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Texas /100K | National /100K |
| Texas | 95,281 | 443 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Richwood, TX | 4,074 | 188 | 543 | 731 |
| Jones Creek, TX | 2,041 | 149 | 780 | 929 |
| Bailey's Prairie, TX | 750 | 157 | 824 | 981 |
| Angleton, TX | 20,095 | 254 | 952 | 1,206 |
| Freeport, TX | 12,541 | 476 | 1,428 | 1,904 |
| Lake Jackson, TX | 28,060 | 260 | 1,740 | 2,000 |
| Clute, TX | 11,959 | 354 | 1,770 | 2,124 |
| Surfside Beach, TX | 602 | 141 | 423 | 564 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Clayton, IL | 602 | 404 | 2,398 | 2,803 |
| Plainview, AR | 602 | 714 | 2,380 | 3,095 |
| Shady Grove, OK | 602 | 458 | 2,141 | 2,599 |
| El Prado Estates, AZ | 602 | 645 | 2,737 | 3,382 |
| Rote, PA | 602 | 227 | 1,326 | 1,553 |
| Surfside Beach, TX | 602 | 141 | 423 | 564 |