| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Westminster/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 1,808 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 82.2 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 123.3 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 206 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 205.5 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 29 | n/a | 1,191.9 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 205.5 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 39 | n/a (estimate) | 1,603 | 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 Westminster is 14.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 5 violent crimes reported in Westminster, equivalent to 206 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 42.8%. Additionally, Westminster recorded 39 property crimes, amounting to 1603 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 8.9%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Westminster 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.
Westminster has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1603 property crimes in Westminster, while the national average was 1760 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.
What do the local residents think about crime in Westminster? Well, based on a recent survey of 10 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 50% of Westminster residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 50% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Westminster a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Westminster crime rate is 15% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.12 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.11 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Westminster. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Westminster has decreased by 57.3%. Violent crimes have decreased by 76.2%, while property crimes have decreased by 52.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Westminster currently has an unemployment rate of 5.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Westminster, 66.4% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Westminster has a median home price of $211,879, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Westminster | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 9 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.7 | 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 |
| Gumlog, GA | 2,430 | 84 | 429 | 513 |
| Fair Play, SC | 292 | 177 | 794 | 971 |
| Utica, SC | 1,823 | 184 | 829 | 1,013 |
| Walhalla, SC | 4,517 | 236 | 802 | 1,038 |
| Seneca, SC | 8,653 | 615 | 1,724 | 2,339 |
| Martin, GA | 467 | 397 | 2,038 | 2,434 |
| Toccoa, GA | 8,644 | 225 | 2,760 | 2,985 |
| Westminster, SC | 2,628 | 206 | 1,603 | 1,808 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| New Miami, OH | 2,628 | 157 | 830 | 987 |
| North Falmouth, MA | 2,628 | 51 | 181 | 232 |
| Agua Dulce, TX | 2,628 | 235 | 1,232 | 1,467 |
| Lakeview Estates, GA | 2,627 | 186 | 957 | 1,143 |
| Clinton, AR | 2,629 | 238 | 793 | 1,031 |
| Westminster, SC | 2,628 | 206 | 1,603 | 1,808 |
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