
Considering crime levels and other safety factors, Wellford ranks as the safest city in South Carolina on our list. The city reported zero murders and zero robberies, making it a secure place to live. The chance of becoming a victim of burglary or theft is just 1 in 935, which is extremely low. At the same time, both Greenville and Spartanburg are only a short drive away, giving residents easy access to larger city amenities. First-time buyers, families, and young professionals looking for quiet, secure neighborhoods with strong earning opportunities should consider Wellford.
Considering crime levels and other safety factors, Wellford ranks as the safest city in South Carolina on our list. The city reported zero murders and zero robberies, making it a secure place to live. The chance of becoming a vict...
Personal Safety : 98
Property Safety : 87
Community Safety : 48
$310,250
Median Home Rent
$1,600

Fort Mill remains one of the safest places to live in South Carolina. The total crime rate is 678 per 100,000 people, which is 72% lower than the state rate. That being said, the police run safety drills in neighborhoods and schools. Meanwhile, residents enjoy walkable shopping downtown. Charlotte is just twenty minutes up the road for more entertainment and dining choices. Families who want to raise children in a safe environment can consider making Fort Mill their new home.
Fort Mill remains one of the safest places to live in South Carolina. The total crime rate is 678 per 100,000 people, which is 72% lower than the state rate. That being said, the police run safety drills in neighborhoods and schoo...
Personal Safety : 88
Property Safety : 90
Community Safety : 79
$492,500
Median Home Rent
$1,995

If you're looking for the safest cities in South Carolina to live in, Tega Cay should be on your lookout. Known for its family-friendly vibes, Tega Cay sits on a Lake Wylie peninsula with 13 miles of shoreline and a 27-hole golf course. The city's schools rank high in state rankings, and the total crime rate stays 85% below national levels.
If you're looking for the safest cities in South Carolina to live in, Tega Cay should be on your lookout. Known for its family-friendly vibes, Tega Cay sits on a Lake Wylie peninsula with 13 miles of shoreline and a 27-hole golf c...
Personal Safety : 92
Property Safety : 78
Community Safety : 75
$505,000
Median Home Rent
$2,675

Lyman, located in Spartanburg County, is often overlooked but offers exceptional safety and affordability. Its overall crime rate is 60% lower than the state average, with no reported murders or robberies. Even burglary and vehicle theft incidents are under 3. The town's location provides easy access to Greenville and Spartanburg, making commuting or city amenities convenient. For young professionals seeking affordable housing and retirees looking for a quiet, secure community, Lyman is among the best low crime cities to settle in South Carolina.
Lyman, located in Spartanburg County, is often overlooked but offers exceptional safety and affordability. Its overall crime rate is 60% lower than the state average, with no reported murders or robberies. Even burglary and vehicl...
Personal Safety : 92
Property Safety : 81
Community Safety : 61
$301,000
Median Home Rent
$1,800

Among the safest South Carolina cities, Walhalla's name is also counted. Its property crimes have dropped by 52% in two years, while violent crime has declined by 36% year-over-year. Besides that, Walhalla is located right at the Blue Ridge foothills, with Sumter National Forest and Oconee State Park both close by. This offers you abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Furthermore, the cost of living runs well below the state average. For remote workers and retirees who want strong safety and serious outdoor access, this city is a rare combination.
Among the safest South Carolina cities, Walhalla's name is also counted. Its property crimes have dropped by 52% in two years, while violent crime has declined by 36% year-over-year. Besides that, Walhalla is located right at the ...
Personal Safety : 83
Property Safety : 95
Community Safety : 60
$310,000
Median Home Rent
$1,200

Clover is safer than 58% of cities in South Carolina. Patrol coverage runs well above the national average for a town this size. It grew alongside the rest of York County, and the residential streets stayed calm through it. Criminal incidents tend to stay near commercial areas rather than neighborhoods. For buyers considering Tega Cay or Fort Mill, Clover offers the same county, a comparable safety record, and a more accessible entry price.
Clover is safer than 58% of cities in South Carolina. Patrol coverage runs well above the national average for a town this size. It grew alongside the rest of York County, and the residential streets stayed calm through it. Crimin...
Personal Safety : 84
Property Safety : 86
Community Safety : 51
$324,990
Median Home Rent
$1,850

Central's year-over-year crime has decreased by 37%. Furthermore, its property and violent crime rates are well below state and national figures. After all, Central is one of the safest towns in South Carolina to live in. Located in Pickens County, the close-knit community offers a slow-paced, calm lifestyle, and the median home price reflects it. As a resident, you can always drive a little over 5 miles to Clemson for shopping and amenities. For teachers, retirees, and younger buyers working with a real budget, this is one of the more honest values in the state.
Central's year-over-year crime has decreased by 37%. Furthermore, its property and violent crime rates are well below state and national figures. After all, Central is one of the safest towns in South Carolina to live in. Located ...
Personal Safety : 76
Property Safety : 83
Community Safety : 56
$246,950
Median Home Rent
$1,350

Lexington cut violent crime by 31% in a single year, the result of targeted policing and real community investment. The overall crime rate is 33% below South Carolina's average. This stands out for a city this close to Columbia, which is one of the most dangerous cities in South Carolina due to higher criminal activity. In addition to being safe, Lexington is located close to 50,000-acre Lake Murray, which offers outdoor fun activities. That said, Lexington is a popular destination for families looking for a secure place with good education for their children.
Lexington cut violent crime by 31% in a single year, the result of targeted policing and real community investment. The overall crime rate is 33% below South Carolina's average. This stands out for a city this close to Columbia, w...
Personal Safety : 83
Property Safety : 74
Community Safety : 66
$180,500
Median Home Rent
$1,900

Close to 97,000 people live here, and crime still runs 85% below the South Carolina average. Violent crimes are over three times below the state figures. Being close to metros like Charleston, you get stronger schools, harbor access, and a diverse social life. For families and retirees looking for premium housing and high safety levels, Mount Pleasant is a great destination to aim for.
Close to 97,000 people live here, and crime still runs 85% below the South Carolina average. Violent crimes are over three times below the state figures. Being close to metros like Charleston, you get stronger schools, harbor acce...
Personal Safety : 87
Property Safety : 68
Community Safety : 73
$895,000
Median Home Rent
$3,395

Crime levels in North Augusta are more than ten times below the national daily rate. Overall, crime is 82% below the state average. That said, North Augusta is on the South Carolina side of the Savannah River, four miles from Augusta National. A 7-mile greenway connects neighborhoods straight to the waterfront. Riverside Village brought a real downtown scene with a stadium, restaurants, and walkable streets. Safe, well-connected, and genuinely worth knowing about.
Crime levels in North Augusta are more than ten times below the national daily rate. Overall, crime is 82% below the state average. That said, North Augusta is on the South Carolina side of the Savannah River, four miles from Augu...
Personal Safety : 60
Property Safety : 58
Community Safety : 46
$314,240
Median Home Rent
$1,500
Transparent & data-driven
Each city is scored against the national average across three weighted categories, built entirely from FBI NIBRS crime data spanning 18 offense categories. Every metric is converted to a per-capita rate and a common 0–100 scale, so no single offense can dominate — and a city served by a non-reporting agency is never treated as crime-free.
Homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, kidnapping & human trafficking vs. the national rate.
Burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, arson & theft from buildings or vehicles vs. the national rate.
Simple assault, sex offenses, stolen property, vandalism, weapon & drug violations — the tiebreaker.
Recalculated as each new annual NIBRS reporting year is released · agency-to-city mappings refresh quarterly.
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