South Carolina’s 20 Safest Cities of 2025

John Carlsen
Cathy Habas
Mar 17, 2025
Icon Time To Read4 min read
Icon CheckEdited ByKit Smith
Icon CheckData Analysis ByDaniel Delgado

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Learn more.

11th annual Safest Cities report banner

Here are the 10 Safest Cities in South Carolina for 2025

See crime rates for the safest cities.

Our latest State of Safety survey suggests that all types of crime are decreasing across South Carolina, with property crime taking the biggest plunge. Many of the the state's safest cities also saw steep declines in crime rates. However, South Carolinians' fears tend to remain high.

In this report

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NOTE: If your city is missing from our full report, it means that it was below the population threshold or didn’t submit a complete crime report to the FBI in 2023.

Do people feel safe in South Carolina? Survey insights for 2025

Bar chart comparing how safe South Dakota residents feel, with 44% feeling safe versus the 48% national average.

Bar chart comparing how safe South Carolina residents feel, with 44% feeling safe versus the 48% national average. Image: SafeWise

We didn't have enough viable data to accurately calculate statewide crime rates for this year's report. However, our annual State of Safety survey sheds some light on crime experiences and concerns across The Palmetto State.

The percentage of people who feel safe living in South Carolina increased from 35% to 44%. Despite this positive trend, the average American still feels safer than the average South Carolinian (US 48%). 

Our survey participants are also more inclined to believe crime is decreasing compared to the previous year, but 63% think it's on the rise. Half of the South Carolinians we surveyed said they feel a high level of overall concern for their safety and security, which is slightly higher than the previous year's report of 48% and the national average of 47%.   

Property crime in South Carolina: Fear vs. reality

According to our State of Safety survey, South Carolinians experienced fewer property crimes and package thefts than the year before. They feel less worried about package theft than they did last year, and their level of concern about property crime remains unchanged.

  • 23% of South Carolinians said they experienced a property crime in the 8 months prior to our survey, down from 35% the year before (US 27%). 
  • Respondents reported no change in their concern about property crime compared to the previous year. At 60%, it remains higher than the national average of 54%. 
  • 30% said they experienced a package theft in the 8 months prior to our survey, down from 34% the year before (US 37%). 
  • Concern about package theft fell from 61% to 50% year over year (US 52%). 
  • Only residents of Vermont were less likely to experience package theft than South Carolinians (VT 29%). 
  • South Carolina residents prefer to protect their property with security cameras (42%), guard dogs (40%), and firearms (32%).
  • 33% told us they added security or safety measures in the 8 months prior to our survey, down from 36% the previous year (US 37%). 
"My home was broken into, so that is my biggest safety concern."
—South Carolina resident*

Natural disasters in South Carolina

  • 60% of South Carolinians worry about hurricanes, which is the third highest percentage in the nation behind Louisiana (79%) and Florida (76%). 
  • South Carolina residents report the lowest levels of concern about fires and smoke nationwide (SC 26%, US 42%). 
  • The percentage of South Carolina residents who evacuated due to a natural disaster fell from 15% to 13% year over year (US 9%).
  • South Carolinians were the seventh most likely to have evacuated due to a natural disaster during the 8 months prior to our survey.
"My biggest concern is climate in my area. We've had more flooding and weather-related scares with hurricanes."
—South Carolina resident*

What security measures do South Carolinians use most?

Top security measures used in South Carolina: guard dogs, security cameras, and firearms, compared to national trends.

Top security measures used in South Carolina: guard dogs, security cameras, and firearms, compared to national trends. Image: SafeWise

How to stay safe in South Carolina

11% of South Carolinians use stun devices to protect themselves.

Protect yourself

29% of South Carolinians use security systems to protect their homes.

Protect your property

What crimes are South Carolina residents most concerned about?

Bar chart of top crime concerns in South Carolina, showing violent crime, property crime, gun violence, and package theft rates.

Bar chart of top crime concerns in South Carolina, showing violent crime, property crime, gun violence, and package theft rates. Image: SafeWise

Violent crime in South Carolina: Fear vs. reality

South Carolinians reported almost 50% fewer violent crime experiences year over year, making them some of the least likely Americans to experience a violent crime. But their worries haven't caught up—South Carolina residents saw a spike in violent crime concerns year over year. 

  • 9% of South Carolinians said they experienced a violent crime in the 8 months prior to our survey, down from 17% the year before (US 14%).
  • South Carolina residents were less likely to experience a violent crime than people living in neighboring states. 
  • Concern about violent crime increased from 53% to 65% year over year (US 59%).
  • 42% of South Carolinians said they use some kind of personal protection.
  • South Carolina residents prefer to protect themselves with firearms (20%), pepper spray (16%), and pocket knives (15%). 
"I live in a town connected to a major highway, which means there's a risk of human trafficking. It's gotten to the point where I do not feel safe outside my house unless I'm armed."
—South Carolina resident*

Attitudes about gun violence in South Carolina

  • 9% of South Carolina residents said they had a personal experience with gun violence in the 8 months prior to our survey, down from 17% the previous year (US 11%).
  • Concern about gun violence increased from 52% to 58% year over year (US 57%).
  • South Carolina saw 6 mass shooting events in 2024.
"I had a child and therefore I wanted to be well-prepared in case of anything that may threaten mine or my family’s life. I went and got a CWP while also taking extra gun courses to ensure if I had to use my firearm it would be to the best of my ability."
—South Carolina resident*

*Quotes collected from our latest State of Safety survey. 

A closer look at the safest cities in South Carolina

For the purposes of this report, the terms “dangerous” and “safest” refer explicitly to crime rates as calculated from FBI crime data—no other characterization of any community is implied or intended.

  • 64 cities met the criteria for ranking this year. 
  • Lexington jumped 11 positions to become this year's safest city.
  • 3 cities reported no murders, rapes, or robberies: Lexington, Tega Cay, and Lyman.
  • Larceny/theft is usually the most common property crime, but Lexington reported more than 5 times as many motor vehicle thefts as larcenies/thefts. 
  • Lexington, Tega Cay, and Port Royal have seen decreases in property crime and violent crime for 2 years in a row. 
  • 6 cities saw decreases in both property crime and violent crime in the last year: Hanahan, Hardeeville, Goose Creek, Surfside Beach, Fountain Inn, and Abbeville
  • Lexington's violent crime rate decreased by 92% year over year, while its property crime rate decreased an even more impressive 94%. 
  • Surfside Beach's property crime rate fell by 44% year over year. Hardeeville's dropped by 30%.

The 20 safest cities in South Carolina

Map of the safest cities in South Carolina for 2025, listing top 20 ranked cities based on SafeWise crime data.

Map of the safest cities in South Carolina for 2025, listing top 20 ranked cities based on SafeWise crime data. Image: SafeWise

#1
Lexington
(
+11
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    25,127
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.2, 2.5, 2.8
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.0, 16.6, 24.2
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
#2
Fort Mill
(
-0-
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    34,292
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.8, 0.6, 0.7
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    6.1, 7.6, 6.2
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Tega Cay, South Carolina
#3
Tega Cay
(
-0-
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    14,087
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.2, 0.4, 0.6
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    9.1, 10.8, 14.0
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Lyman, South Carolina on map
#4
Lyman
(
+2
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    6,665
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.2, 2.6, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    11.6, 8.2, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Bluffton, South Carolina
#5
Bluffton
(
-4
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    38,061
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.7, 0.7, 0.8
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    9.6, 6.1, 7.3
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Clover, South Carolina
#6
Clover
(
-1
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    7,762
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.8, 1.1, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    9.9, 12.4, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Port Royal, South Carolina
#7
Port Royal
(
+2
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    16,230
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.4, 2.5, 3.1
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    12.4, 12.7, 12.9
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
#8
Mount Pleasant
(
-1
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    96,320
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.4, 1.2, 1.0
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    12.8, 13.7, 11.2
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Hanahan, South Carolina
#9
Hanahan
(
+7
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    21,901
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    2.0, 4.0, 2.6
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    14.6, 14.7, 12.9
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
#10
Central
(
-2
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    5,381
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    0.7, 0.2, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    20.1, 17.6, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Clemson, South Carolina
#11
Clemson
(
+4
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    17,893
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.1, 2.1, 1.9
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    20.2, 19.6, 21.0
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Hardeeville, South Carolina
#12
Hardeeville
(
+12
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    11,864
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.6, 2.4, 5.4
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    18.4, 26.5, 19.7
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Goose Creek, South Carolina
#13
Goose Creek
(
+4
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    48,323
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    2.6, 2.9, 2.8
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    15.5, 18.3, 17.1
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Surfside Beach, South Carolina
#14
Surfside Beach
(
+17
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    4,341
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.6, 2.3, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    19.8, 35.6, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Fountain Inn, South Carolina
#15
Fountain Inn
(
+8
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    12,434
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    3.4, 4.5, 3.5
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    13.6, 17.8, 22.3
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Map of Abbeville, South Carolina, one of the safest cities in 2025, showing its location.
#16
Abbeville
(
+10
Up
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    4,858
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    2.5, 5.8, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    18.7, 19.9, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
#17
Isle of Palms
(
-7
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    4,362
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    3.4, 2.8, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    14.9, 12.8, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
#18
Walhalla
(
-5
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    4,184
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    3.8, 2.7, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    13.4, 16.7, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
Mauldin, South Carolina
#19
Mauldin
(
-0-
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    28,061
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    1.7, 2.9, 1.9
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    22.8, 19.1, 17.6
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime
#20
Duncan
(
-9
Down
)
  • Circle Population
    Population
    4,392
  • Circle Gun
    VC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    3.2, 2.6, N/A
  • Circle Property
    PC Rate 2025, 2024, 2023
    16.6, 15.3, N/A
  • Info
    VC=Violent crime, PC=Property crime

How we determined the safest cities

Learn how we identified the safest cities on our methodology page.

How to make a safe home anywhere

Over 6 in 10 Americans surveyed don't have a home security system, despite over 50% of all burglaries being residential. Unfortunately, a majority of people who have a security system added it after they had a break-in. One of the best ways to stop a burglary before it happens—and get immediate help if a break-in is detected—is to add a monitored home security system.

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Get a home security system

Find out which companies we recommend for every budget and lifestyle in our roundup of the best security systems—and learn the basics of how to choose a security system

Compare top security systems

Brand
Installation type
Self-monitoring option
Monthly cost Icon Tooltip  Dark
Contract required
Learn more
SimpliSafe
DIY
Icon Yes  LightYes
No
Vivint
Pro
Icon No  LightNo
No *
Cove
DIY
Icon No  LightNo
No *
ADT Shield
Pro
Icon No  LightNo
Yes

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Full ADT disclaimer

Find the safest cities in each state

Click on the state below to check out the safest cities for each state.

Find all endnotes and sources in our full methodology.

FBI Crime Data Explorer, "Documents & Downloads." Accessed March 17, 2025.

  • 2023 Crime in the United States Annual Reports
    • Offenses Known to Law Enforcement
  • 2023 NIBRS Estimation Tables

Bureau of Justice Statistics, "National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)." Accessed March 17, 2025.

Gun Violence Archive, "Mass Shootings." Accessed March 17, 2025.

John Carlsen
Written by
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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