Pickens, SC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Pickens, SC

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Pickens is 79% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 20 violent crimes reported in Pickens, equivalent to 594 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 60.7%. Additionally, Pickens recorded 120 property crimes, amounting to 3566 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 82.5%.

With a total of 4160 crimes per 100,000 people, the Pickens crime rates stand at 79.01 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Pickens, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

In the latest reported crime year, Pickens recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

With a property crime rate of 3566 crimes per 100,000 people, Pickens 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 Pickens is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 29, 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Pickens?

AreaVibes surveyed 21 local residents in Pickens to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 43% of people answered that there was very little crime in Pickens and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 57% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Pickens a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Pickens 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 Pickens crime rate is 79% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.38 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.33 property crimes.

Has Crime in Pickens Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Pickens has decreased by 23.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Pickens is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 17.7%, while property crime has decreased by 27.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Pickens.

Potential Causes for Crime in Pickens

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Pickens crime rates. In Pickens, the poverty rate stands at 15.4%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Pickens currently has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

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 Pickens, the average monthly rent stands at $732, while the national average is $949 per month.

Pickens crime map