Bennettsville, SC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bennettsville, SC

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Bennettsville crime rate is higher than the national average by 92.9%. Specifically, there were 88 violent crimes in Bennettsville, equivalent to 1277 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 245.3%. Furthermore, Bennettsville recorded 221 property crimes, amounting to 3207 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 64.1%.

With a crime rate of 4484 per 100,000 residents, Bennettsville has a crime rate that is 92.93% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Bennettsville that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

With a violent crime rate of 1277 crimes per 100,000 residents, Bennettsville is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Bennettsville ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 79 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Bennettsville is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 2 murders in Bennettsville, which equates to 29 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Bennettsville being a very dangerous place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bennettsville?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bennettsville. Based on the results of the surveys (9 responses), 56% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bennettsville and felt safe walking alone at night. While 44% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Bennettsville a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Bennettsville is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Bennettsville has a total crime rate that is 93% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.85 daily crimes (0.24 violent daily crimes and 0.61 daily property crimes) in Bennettsville.

Has Crime in Bennettsville Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Bennettsville has increased by 19.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Bennettsville, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 27.5%, while property crime has increased by 16.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Bennettsville is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bennettsville

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Bennettsville, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Bennettsville, 60% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Bennettsville are $574, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Bennettsville crime map