| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Williamston/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 119 | n/a (estimate) | 2,784 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 93.6 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 23.4 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 24 | n/a | 561.4 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 678 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 8 | n/a | 187.1 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 74 | n/a | 1,731.0 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 187.1 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 90 | n/a (estimate) | 2,105 | 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 Williamston is 31.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 29 violent crimes reported in Williamston, equivalent to 678 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 88.9%. Additionally, Williamston recorded 90 property crimes, amounting to 2105 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 19.6%.
Williamston showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Williamston residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 80% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Williamston were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 20% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Williamston 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. Williamston has a total crime rate that is 31% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.33 daily crimes (0.08 violent daily crimes and 0.25 daily property crimes) in Williamston.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Williamston. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Williamston has decreased by 13.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 11.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 19.6%. 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.
Williamston has a poverty rate that stands at 12.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Williamston crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Williamston, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 4.25, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
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. Williamston has a median home price of $214,940, 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.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Williamston | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 17 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.2 | 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 |
| Northlake, SC | 3,783 | 125 | 561 | 685 |
| Five Forks, SC | 20,122 | 178 | 802 | 980 |
| Pelzer, SC | 1,715 | 185 | 832 | 1,017 |
| West Pelzer, SC | 1,083 | 206 | 928 | 1,135 |
| Golden Grove, SC | 3,559 | 221 | 995 | 1,216 |
| Judson, SC | 1,459 | 227 | 1,021 | 1,248 |
| Powdersville, SC | 9,752 | 239 | 1,076 | 1,316 |
| Williamston, SC | 4,366 | 678 | 2,105 | 2,784 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Indian Rocks Beach, FL | 4,368 | 138 | 1,626 | 1,764 |
| Elmira Heights, NY | 4,368 | 315 | 1,426 | 1,741 |
| Taylor, AZ | 4,368 | 267 | 1,134 | 1,401 |
| Prescott, WI | 4,364 | 88 | 419 | 507 |
| Summerville, GA | 4,370 | 294 | 1,514 | 1,807 |
| Williamston, SC | 4,366 | 678 | 2,105 | 2,784 |
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