South Carolina may be on the smaller size compared to some of the larger states out west. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in gracious hospitality, mesmerizing history and genuine charm. In 2019, Charleston captured Southern Living’s prestigious title of the South’s Best City for the third straight year. Even those who don’t live in South Carolina find it captivating; the state rings up $22 billion annually in tourism. So it’s not surprising that the state has plenty to offer to new residents, including a number of communities that rank well when it comes to safety. Let’s take a look the top 10 safest cities in the Palmetto State.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in South Carolina
1. Mount Pleasant
- Population: 80,661
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 153.8
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,116.6
- Most Common Crime: Property
41% Below National Crime Rate
Historical Mount Pleasant, a suburb of Charleston, doubled in population two decades ago to become the fourth largest municipality in South Carolina. Besides its low crime rate, mild climate and great public school system, residents here experience an idyllic lifestyle. This town has an upscale flair, with the median home price north of $400,000.
Plenty of communities are waiting to welcome you home in Mount Pleasant.
2. Port Royal
- Population: 12,218
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 121
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,103.8
- Most Common Crime: Property
37% Below National Crime Rate
This charming town is tucked away in a natural harbor on an island of the same name and was the site of a naval battle during the Civil War. Another claim to fame: Forrest Gump filmed its hurricane scene at one of the docks. Those wanting to live here must dig deep into their pockets; it is the most expensive place in the state to live.
Find your new home in Port Royal.
3. Tega Cay
- Population: 9,464
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 65
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,914
- Most Common Crime: Property
18% Below National Crime Rate
Tega Cay, whose name means “beautiful peninsula” in Polynesian, is a waterfront community on Lake Wylie at the border with North Carolina. Many who work in Charlotte, North Carolina, find this gem to the south to be a quiet haven — and only a 20-mile commute. While Tega Cay is becoming more of a tourist destination, many people have put down roots in this affluent town. The median home price is upwards of $345,000 and is appreciating at a hearty clip of 13 percent.
Discover new homes in Tega Cay today!
4. Mauldin
- Population: 24,813
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 165.2
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,341.6
- Most Common Crime: Property
26% Below National Crime Rate
Less than 10 miles from Greenville, Mauldin offers two well-kept neighborhoods: Sunset Heights and the Grove. Not only is Mauldin one of the state’s safest cities, but it is also one of the most affordable with a median home priced of around $150,000. Residents raising school-age children will be impressed to know that the high school graduation rates are at 90 percent, and the student to teacher ratio is 21:1.
Find your new home in Mauldin.
5. Bluffton
- Population: 17,164
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 221.5
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 912.4
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
48% Below National Crime Rate
Minutes away from Hilton Head Island, Bluffton is a true award winner. The town ranks among the top 10 places to raise a family in South Carolina, Huffington Post rated it No. 1 for its enchanting non-beach getaway destinations. This Lowcountry community is known for its scenic views of the May River. Residents spend most of their time outdoors because the weather is nearly perfect year-round.
Your new home in Bluffton is waiting for you.
6. Fort Mill
- Population: 14,451
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 166.5
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,444.8
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
25% Below National Crime Rate
With its historical downtown paired with modern amenities, Fort Mill also makes the list of the 10 best cities to raise a family in South Carolina. This quiet suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, is home to a number of major employers like Black and Decker and Daimler Trucks North America, and its median home price hovers around $290,000. Pack your bags because Fort Mill is one of the fastest growing communities in the state and its schools perform well above the national average.
Find your new home in Fort Mill.
7. Hanahan
- Population: 21,729
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 230.2
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 990
- Most Common Crime: Property
39% Below National Crime Rate
The quaint town of Hanahan rests about 20 miles northwest of Charleston. Hanahan’s system of safe recreation and park areas enhance the quality of life of its residents. If you want to step back in time, the historic house from the 18th century indigo plantation Otranto is a good place to start.
Your new home in Hanahan is waiting.
8. Central
- Population: 5,161
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 96.5
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 2,316.6
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
5% above National Crime Rate
Central is located in the northwest corner of the state and derived its name from sitting midway between Atlanta and Charlotte, so don’t be misled — it is not in the center of the state. Home to Southern Wesleyan University, Central is proud of the fact that many historical late 19th and early 20th century buildings still stand like sentinels along its tree-lined downtown streets.
Discover new homes in Central.
9. Aiken
- Population: 30,277
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 530
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 270
- Most Common Crime: Property
71% Below National Crime Rate
Aiken ranks No. 2 on the top 10 places in South Carolina to raise a family. That may be because it is an authentic equestrian community that’s drenched in history. In the mid-1800s, the sleepy little town was founded around a stop of a new railroad from Charleston to the Savannah River.
Find your new home in Aiken today.
10. Clover
- Population: 5,731
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 192.5
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,700.4
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
11% Below National Crime Rate
Clover may be a tiny dot on the map, but this is a tight-knit rural community. Most of the schools in this family-friendly town rank a whopping 10/10, and the median house costs around $125,000. Join in on the fun at the Clover Highland Games and enjoy attending the town’s many festivals.
Why are you waiting? Discover new homes in Clover today.
All data are taken from FBI U.S. crime statistics.
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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RichardC C Smith
Is summerville sc good place to live and rehire looking for low crime
Jamie Garcia
Hi Richard,
Summerville has a crime rate of 36 per 1,000 residents, and your chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime there is 1 in 28. Within South Carolina, more than 67% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Summerville.