South Carolina is famous for its charming towns, beautiful beaches, and Southern hospitality—but like any state, it has its rough patches too. Whether you’re thinking of moving, planning a trip, or just curious about the Palmetto State’s crime statistics, it’s smart to know which cities are considered the most dangerous in 2025. This list is based on the latest data from the FBI, NeighborhoodScout, and local law enforcement reports.
Some of these cities might surprise you—not all crime hotspots are big urban centers. Smaller cities with high crime-per-capita rates can sometimes fly under the radar, even though the risks are real. So, let’s take a deep dive into the top 10 most dangerous cities in South Carolina as of 2025.
Why South Carolina’s Crime Stats Matter in 2025
Crime rates are a big concern for residents and local governments alike. South Carolina has seen notable changes over the past few years, from rapid population growth to economic shifts, all of which have influenced crime statistics.
In 2025, violent crime in South Carolina is about 30% higher than the national average. Property crimes, like theft and burglary, also continue to be a significant issue. Some areas are actively investing in community policing and social programs—but progress varies widely by city.
How We Ranked These Cities
To create this list, we looked at recent data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, as well as local reports and neighborhood-level statistics. Our ranking takes into account:
- Violent crimes per 1,000 residents (murder, assault, robbery)
- Property crimes per 1,000 residents (theft, burglary, motor vehicle theft)
- Crime trends from the last 12–18 months
- Population size and density
Remember, a smaller city might rank high due to a high crime rate, even if the total number of incidents is relatively low.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina (2025 Edition)
#10 – Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach is a tourist magnet, but behind the boardwalk and beachfront, it has one of the highest crime rates per capita in the state. While much of the crime involves property theft and tourist-related incidents, violent crime remains a problem—especially in areas just beyond the main strip.
#9 – Spartanburg Spartanburg is a growing city, but with growth has come challenges. Violent crimes, especially assaults and robberies, have been climbing. Drug-related crime and gang activity are also on the rise, contributing to a general feeling of unease in certain neighborhoods.
#8 – Florence Florence is a regional hub with a mix of rural and urban populations. It struggles with both property and violent crime. Home invasions and aggravated assaults have pushed it into the top 10. Many locals point to a lack of resources for law enforcement and economic stagnation as root causes.
#7 – Columbia The state capital, Columbia, has a lot going for it—universities, government buildings, and a lively downtown. But with that comes pockets of high crime. Some neighborhoods are known for frequent shootings, and vehicle break-ins are common. Despite efforts to revitalize certain areas, the city continues to deal with crime-related challenges.
#6 – Sumter Sumter has consistently shown up in crime rankings for years. Violent crime is a major concern, and the city has one of the highest murder rates in the state. Law enforcement has ramped up patrols and community outreach, but the numbers haven’t improved much in 2025.
#5 – North Charleston As one of the state’s largest cities, North Charleston has a mix of industry, suburbs, and urban sprawl. Unfortunately, it also has one of the state’s highest violent crime rates. In 2025, shootings and gang-related activity remain a top concern, despite ongoing community policing initiatives.
#4 – Greenwood Greenwood may not be a household name, but its crime rate is staggering for a city its size. Thefts, burglaries, and assaults are all high. In 2025, local officials have acknowledged a rise in drug trafficking and gang-related crime, contributing to its rank here.
#3 – Dillon Dillon is a small city with big crime problems. Its per-capita crime rate is among the highest in South Carolina. Residents cite a lack of economic opportunity and underfunded policing as key factors. Assaults and home break-ins are especially common.
#2 – Orangeburg Orangeburg is often in the spotlight when it comes to crime discussions in South Carolina. In 2025, its violent crime rate is still alarmingly high. Gang violence, poverty, and an overburdened police force continue to make safety a real concern for locals.
#1 – Hartsville Hartsville tops the list as the most dangerous city in South Carolina for 2025. It may be picturesque on the surface, but a sharp increase in violent crimes, including robberies and assaults, puts it at #1. Residents and local officials alike are calling for more state support and a strategic plan to address the issue.
Crime Trends to Watch in 2025
A few key trends are shaping the crime landscape in South Carolina:
- Increased reporting: More people are reporting crimes thanks to better mobile tools and community hotlines.
- Rise in cyber and identity theft: These crimes are often under-reported but are increasing statewide.
- Policing reforms: Some cities are seeing results from new tactics like predictive policing and increased community involvement.
Still, violent crime remains the most pressing issue, especially in under-resourced cities.
South Carolina’s Safest Cities (Bonus List)
Not all of South Carolina struggles with crime. Here are a few of the safest cities based on 2025 data:
- Mount Pleasant – Low crime and high quality of life.
- Fort Mill – Family-friendly and growing fast.
- Bluffton – Rapidly expanding with good public services.
- Tega Cay – Consistently ranks among the safest cities in the state.
If safety is your top priority, these might be places to consider instead.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Regardless of where you live, here are a few simple steps to help reduce your risk:
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- Lock doors and windows
- Join or support local neighborhood watch groups
- Report suspicious activity to local authorities
- Stay informed about crime trends in your area
Final Thoughts
Crime in South Carolina isn’t just a big city issue—it affects small towns, rural areas, and everywhere in between. As 2025 continues, paying attention to where the danger zones are can help residents and visitors alike make smarter, safer decisions.
Whether your city made the list or not, awareness is the first step toward change. Stay alert, stay safe, and don’t forget to share this article with someone who might need to see it!
