| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Walterboro/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 449 | n/a (estimate) | 8,266 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 18.4 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 36.8 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 92.0 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 44 | n/a | 810.0 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 52 | n/a (estimate) | 957 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 30 | n/a | 552.3 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 348 | n/a | 6,406.5 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 19 | n/a | 349.8 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 397 | n/a (estimate) | 7,309 | 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 Walterboro crime rate is higher than the national average by 255.6%. Specifically, there were 52 violent crimes in Walterboro, equivalent to 957 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 158.9%. Furthermore, Walterboro recorded 397 property crimes, amounting to 7309 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 274%.
In Walterboro, the crime rate stands at 8266 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 255.64%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Walterboro that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
With a violent crime rate of 957 crimes per 100,000 residents, Walterboro is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Walterboro ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 105 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Walterboro is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 1 murders in Walterboro, which equates to 18 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Walterboro being a very dangerous place to live.
Walterboro has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 7309 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Walterboro is 1 in 14, which is far higher than the national average.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Walterboro. Based on the results of the surveys (28 responses), 18% of people felt that there was very little crime in Walterboro and felt safe walking alone at night. While 82% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Walterboro, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Walterboro presents a total crime rate that is 256% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Walterboro experiences an average of 1.23 daily crimes, comprising 0.14 violent incidents and 1.09 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 rates in Walterboro has increased by 8.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Walterboro is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 22.4%, while property crime has increased by 14.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Walterboro.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Walterboro, the cost of living is 12.1% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Walterboro has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 8.32 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.
Walterboro has an average rental rate of $592 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 | Walterboro | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 45 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 8.3 | 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 |
| Williams, SC | 194 | 513 | 2,414 | 2,927 |
| Smoaks, SC | 95 | 546 | 2,566 | 3,112 |
| Cottageville, SC | 1,090 | 143 | 3,714 | 3,857 |
| Yemassee, SC | 870 | 1,131 | 3,220 | 4,352 |
| Walterboro, SC | 5,417 | 957 | 7,309 | 8,266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| West Pleasant View, CO | 5,417 | 359 | 2,300 | 2,659 |
| Algona, IA | 5,415 | 342 | 209 | 552 |
| Starke, FL | 5,415 | 288 | 1,740 | 2,027 |
| Davenport, FL | 5,420 | 48 | 654 | 702 |
| Northwood, OH | 5,420 | 212 | 2,447 | 2,659 |
| Walterboro, SC | 5,417 | 957 | 7,309 | 8,266 |
Here are the best places to live in South Carolina
See the best places to live in & around Walterboro
These are the 10 most affordable cities in South Carolina
Top 10 best public schools in Walterboro