Ridgeland, SC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ridgeland, SC

The Ridgeland crime rates are 41.5% lower 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 3 violent crimes in Ridgeland (82 per 100,000 people), which is 78% lower than the national average and there were a total of 47 property crimes (1277 per 100,000 residents) which is 34.7% lower than average.

Ridgeland distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 82 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Ridgeland among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Ridgeland has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 1 murders in Ridgeland, which is 27 murders per 100,000 people.

The United States faces a global challenge with vehicle theft rates, averaging around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Interestingly, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to not report any stolen vehicles. In the latest crime report, Ridgeland was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.

Is Ridgeland a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Ridgeland is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Ridgeland has an overall crime rate that is 42% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.14 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.13 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Ridgeland as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Ridgeland Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Ridgeland. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Ridgeland has decreased by 19.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 57.1%, while property crime has decreased by 14.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Ridgeland.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ridgeland

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Ridgeland, 72.1% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

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 Ridgeland, the cost of living is 7.11% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Ridgeland stands at $159,500, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Ridgeland crime map