| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cottageville/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 27 | n/a (estimate) | 3,857 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 142.9 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 143 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 571.4 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 21 | n/a | 3,000.0 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 142.9 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 3,714 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
The Cottageville crime rates are 66% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 1 violent crimes in Cottageville (143 per 100,000 people), which is 61.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 26 property crimes (3714 per 100,000 residents) which is 90.1% higher than average.
Cottageville showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
With a property crime rate of 3714 crimes per 100,000 people, Cottageville unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Cottageville is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 27, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Cottageville residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 80% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Cottageville were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 20% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Cottageville a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Cottageville crime rate is 66% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.07 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.07 property crimes.
Cottageville has a poverty rate that stands at 8.8, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Cottageville crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Cottageville, the cost of living is 13.43% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Cottageville, the average monthly rent stands at $725, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Cottageville | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 7 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 9.1 | 5.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | South Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| South Carolina | 15,193 | 377 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ridgeville, SC | 1,849 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hollywood, SC | 5,273 | 137 | 643 | 780 |
| Ravenel, SC | 2,650 | 205 | 962 | 1,166 |
| Walterboro, SC | 5,417 | 957 | 7,309 | 8,266 |
| Cottageville, SC | 1,090 | 143 | 3,714 | 3,857 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| JAARS, NC | 1,090 | 463 | 2,362 | 2,825 |
| West Yellowstone, MT | 1,090 | 158 | 946 | 1,104 |
| Tanner, WA | 1,090 | 53 | 471 | 524 |
| Horine, MO | 1,090 | 249 | 1,195 | 1,444 |
| Hillsboro, MS | 1,090 | 119 | 851 | 970 |
| Cottageville, SC | 1,090 | 143 | 3,714 | 3,857 |
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