| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Williamston/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 142 | n/a (estimate) | 3,404 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 71.9 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 23 | n/a | 551.3 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 623 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 215.7 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 95 | n/a | 2,277.1 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 287.6 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 116 | n/a (estimate) | 2,780 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
The Williamston crime rates are 46.4% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 26 violent crimes in Williamston (623 per 100,000 people), which is 68.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 116 property crimes (2780 per 100,000 residents) which is 42.3% higher than average.
During the most recently reported crime year, Williamston 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Williamston. Based on the results of the surveys (5 responses), 80% of people felt that there was very little crime in Williamston and felt safe walking alone at night. While 20% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Williamston 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 Williamston crime rate is 46% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.39 crimes per day - 0.07 violent crimes and 0.32 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Williamston. 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 Williamston has increased by 2.9%. Specifically, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has increased by 3.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Williamston.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Williamston crime rates. In Williamston, the poverty rate stands at 12.3%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In Williamston, the cost of living is 13.91% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
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.
| 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 |
| Five Forks, SC | 19,399 | 200 | 942 | 1,142 |
| Pelzer, SC | 1,653 | 248 | 1,167 | 1,415 |
| Northlake, SC | 3,684 | 255 | 1,197 | 1,452 |
| Golden Grove, SC | 3,449 | 275 | 1,292 | 1,567 |
| Judson, SC | 1,412 | 307 | 1,444 | 1,751 |
| Dunean, SC | 3,099 | 318 | 1,494 | 1,812 |
| Honea Path, SC | 3,753 | 264 | 1,661 | 1,925 |
| Williamston, SC | 4,219 | 623 | 2,780 | 3,404 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Le Roy, NY | 4,220 | 409 | 1,641 | 2,050 |
| Apison, TN | 4,220 | 202 | 748 | 950 |
| Pittsboro, NC | 4,221 | 365 | 1,888 | 2,252 |
| Tarpey Village, CA | 4,222 | 336 | 1,575 | 1,911 |
| Hometown, IL | 4,216 | 245 | 1,438 | 1,684 |
| Williamston, SC | 4,219 | 623 | 2,780 | 3,404 |
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