As someone who’s spent a fair amount of time in South Carolina, I can tell you that it’s not all sweet tea and Southern hospitality. There’s a darker side to the Palmetto State that’s worth discussing. It’s been ranked as the sixth most dangerous state in the U.S., which might come as a shock to some.
I’ve dedicated countless hours to meticulously examining data in an attempt to gain a deeper comprehension of the situation. RoadSnacks, a public information platform, has assembled a roster of the most perilous locations in South Carolina for the year 2023, and I’ve been delving into the details.
To compile this roster, they scrutinized information from 53 cities throughout the state, with a focus on areas boasting a populace exceeding 5,000. Their data source was the latest crime report from the FBI, encompassing both violent and property-related crime statistics.
The factors underpinning these elevated crime rates are intricate and diverse. Some contend that substance abuse constitutes a substantial element, while others posit that the state ought to furnish a greater number of well-compensated jobs. Regardless of the rationales, the reality persists: crime rates in South Carolina surpass the national average and exhibit an upward trend.
And let’s be unequivocal – we’re not discussing minor hazards akin to boating without life vests. The perils inherent in these locales are severe and life-endangering. I’ve come across news broadcasts on Dillon’s WPDE highlighting incidents of daytime robberies, carjackings, and frequent shootings. Specific neighborhoods within these cities are ones I would strongly discourage anyone from traversing.
So, if you possess a curiosity about segments of South Carolina where employment prospects are scarce, wages are meager, and crime rates are elevated, stay by my side. I’ll provide you with a detailed overview. And rest assured, your Southern Charm won’t carry much weight in these regions.
5 Most Dangerous Cities in South Carolina
Rank
City
Population
Violent Crimes Per 100k
Property Crimes Per 100k
1
Orangeburg
12,529
1,731
6,560
2
Darlington
5,895
1,594
6,344
3
Florence
38,597
1,456
6,192
4
Spartanburg
37,469
1,430
6,101
5
Myrtle Beach
35,658
1,379
8,716
1. Orangeburg
Don’t be deceived by the appealing nickname “The Garden City.” Orangeburg, a city known for housing South Carolina State University and Claflin University, has a darker aspect. Despite its strong academic reputation, it bears the unsettling distinction of having the highest rate of violent crime in the state. This is evidenced by 177 reported assaults among its population of 12,529 residents.
One of the most disturbing incidents in Orangeburg, South Carolina’s history is unquestionably the Orangeburg Massacre, which occurred on February 8, 1968. This event took place during the peak of the Civil Rights movement when racial tensions were running high in the city, where South Carolina State University, primarily attended by African-American students, is located.
At the center of protests was a local bowling alley that practiced racial segregation by denying entry to individuals of color. As students chose to challenge this unjust segregation, the situation escalated, culminating in marches and demonstrations. In response, the state authorities mobilized troops from the South Carolina National Guard.
Population: 12,529
Rank Last Year: –
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,731 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,560 (Fourth most dangerous
2. Darlington
Darlington, a city renowned for its tobacco agriculture and exhilarating NASCAR competitions, sadly, also takes the lead in terms of crime rates. The city has witnessed a rise in property-related offenses, which has resulted in its placement as the third most hazardous city in South Carolina. Despite experiencing over one car theft per month, it’s fortunate that none of these were racing cars from the Darlington Raceway!
Population: 5,895
Rank Last Year: 1 (Down 2)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,594 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,344 (Sixth most dangerous)
3. Florence
Florence, situated in the Pee Dee region of northeastern South Carolina, is facing its own distressing issue – crime. The city has marked the eighth highest burglary rate in the state, with an average of just over one break-in occurring each day. With a total of 562 violent crimes reported in the year 2020, it’s evident that Florence is contending with a concerning surge in criminal activity.
Within Florence, a local lawyer voluntarily surrendered to authorities subsequent to the issuance of a warrant for his arrest regarding a sexual offense dating back to 2013. Although the attorney’s identity was not disclosed, he was taken into custody and formally charged with the offense. This incident came as a surprise to the local community, given the attorney’s prominent position and respected standing within the city.
Population: 38,597
Rank Last Year: 4 (No Change)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,456 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,192 (Seventh most
4. Spartanburg
Spartanburg, located in the northwestern part of South Carolina, might not possess the same strength as its historic counterpart, yet it holds the unfortunate ranking of being the fifth most hazardous place to reside in the state for the year 2022. Even though it diligently maintains the natural environment at the Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, the city grapples with maintaining the security of its inhabitants, facing an average of more than one burglary each day.
Population: 37,469
Rank Last Year: 8 (Up 3)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,430 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 6,101 (Eighth most dangerous)
5. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, a cherished destination among East Coast vacationers, has a darker side that contrasts its picturesque appeal. Even though the city has witnessed a reduction in violent crimes, it’s the instances of property crimes that raise concern.
In the year 2020, residents faced a 1 in 11 likelihood of falling victim to theft or vandalism, establishing Myrtle Beach as the South Carolina city with the highest overall crime rate. This rate stands at an alarming 365% above the national average.
One of the most unsettling episodes in the annals of Myrtle Beach occurred in 2016. Anthony Bernard Williams received a life sentence for the murder of Sylvia Gray. The tragic event unfolded at the Bermuda Sands Motel on Ocean Boulevard.
Williams was proven guilty of fatally stabbing Gray multiple times. This savage act sent shockwaves through the community and remains one of the most atrocious crimes in the city’s history.
Population: 35,658+
Rank Last Year: 3 (Up 1)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,379 (Fifth most dangerous)
