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The view of downtown greenville at dusk with the words “crime rate in greenville sc” written across it

Guide to the Greenville SC Crime Rate 👮| Is Greenville SC Safe?  

Are you thinking about moving to Greenville, SC? You’re probably wondering, is Greenville SC safe? Considering the Greenville SC crime rate before relocating is always smart. Situated near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is a jewel in the heart of South Carolina's Upcountry. About halfway between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia, Greenville is known for its friendly residents, Southern charm, thriving downtown area, and one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques, as well as its art galleries and museums. 

Top attractions in Greenville include Falls Park, the Greenville Zoo, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, and the Peace Center Concert Hall. Greenville maintains 37 parks that span over 400 acres, with many opportunities for outdoor recreation and activities. 

The city hosts lots of events and festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular are Artisphere, Fall for Greenville, Southern Roots, and the Greenville Jazz Fest. Greenville offers a thriving job market, an amazing public school system, and a low unemployment rate; it's one of the best cities to move to!

You might be asking yourself whether or not Greenville County, with all it has to offer, is a safe place to live. Greenville County has four other cities ranked among the top 20 safest cities in South Carolina, and Greenville itself has a downtown area that’s considered safe to walk around. 

Greenville residents report feeling safe in this vibrant city. Compared to most similarly-sized larger cities, the Greenville SC crime rate is lower. The total crime rate in Greenville SC has decreased by 1.4% over the past year, making it an improvement, and you’ll find some very safe neighborhoods to live in. 

If you're wondering about the Greenville SC crime rate before relocating, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know.

Understanding the Greenville SC Crime Rate – How Crime Rates Are Calculated

The Greenville SC crime rates are calculated by the FBI from data collected from over 1800 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and reported in its annual Nationwide Uniform Crime Report (UCR). Crime rates are calculated based on the number of crimes per 100,000 population. The FBI gathers information on crimes such as murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. These are divided into violent crime rate (murders, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults) and property crime rate (burglaries, thefts, auto thefts, and larcenies). Over the past decade, the Greenville crime rate has gone down.

Although comparing the Greenville SC crime rate and statistics to determine whether one town is safer than another seems sound, the FBI discourages doing this and instead recommends a thorough analysis of the crime data. Below is a list of some important factors that the crime statistics don’t take into consideration when comparing how safe one city is compared to another:

  • Population density and urbanization levels
  • Demographic composition, especially youth concentration
  • Population stability, including mobility, commuting habits, and transient populations
  • Available transportation options and the structure of the highway system
  • Economic indicators such as median income, poverty rates, and employment opportunities
  • Cultural influences and the presence of educational, recreational, and religious institutions
  • Family dynamics, such as divorce rates and family unity
  • Local climate and weather conditions
  • Effectiveness of law enforcement agencies
  • Focus and priorities of law enforcement in administration and investigations
  • Policies and practices of other criminal justice sectors, including prosecution, courts, corrections, and probation
  • Public perception and attitudes regarding crime
  • The public’s crime reporting practices

What Is the Greenville SC Crime Rate?

The mountains in greenville south carolina

Here are the crime rate statistics that go into calculating the Greenville SC crime rate, according to the data released by the FBI for 2023:

  • The total crime reported was 3,093 (4,219 per 100,000 people)
  • The total property crime reported was 2,696 (3,677 per 100,000 people)
  • The total number of violent crimes reported was 397 (542 per 100,000 people)
  • You have a 1 in 24 chance of being the victim of a violent crime in Greenville

Greenville SC Crime Rates Compared to the National Averages:

  • Greenville crime rates were 82% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Greenville were 46% higher than the national average
  • Property crimes in Greenville were 88% higher than the national average

Greenville Crime Map & Crime Reports

The City of Greenville provides a free Community Crime Map, in conjunction with Nexis Lexis, which is updated every 24 hours using Greenville Police Department data. This website allows citizens to easily search for information on different crime types and crimes within a particular radius of any location in the city. The data can also be filtered by date range, such as 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, etc.   

Violent Crime in Greenville

A total of 542 violent crimes were reported in Greenville per 100,000 people in 2023. The state average was slightly lower at 531 crimes per 100,000. However, the murder rate in Greenville was 5.5 per 100,000 people, about half the state murder rate of 10.5 per 100,000. The national murder rate average is 6.3 per 100,000 people.  

The number of violent crimes in Greenville by type in 2023 was:

  • Homicide – 4
  • Rape – 20
  • Robbery – 55
  • Aggravated Assault – 314

The number of violent crimes in Greenville per 100,000 people (compared to the national average) in 2023 was:

  • Homicide – 5.5 (6.3)
  • Rape – 11.4 (27)
  • Robbery – 75.0 (66.1)
  • Aggravated Assault – 428.3 (268.2)

You have a 1 in 185 chance of being the victim of a violent crime in Greenville. 

Property Crime in Greenville

The total number of property crimes reported in Greenville in 2023 was 2696. The Greenville property crime rate (number of reported crimes per 100,000 people) compared to the South Carolina state and the U.S. in 2023 was:

Total property crime

  • Greenville – 3,677.5
  • South Carolina – 2,721.1
  • U.S. – 1,954.4

Burglary 

  • Greenville – 373.8
  • South Carolina – 448.0
  • U.S. - 269.8

Theft 

  • Greenville – 2,940.9
  • South Carolina - 1,991.0
  • U.S. - 1,401.9

Vehicle theft 

  • Greenville – 362.8
  • South Carolina – 282.1
  • U.S. - 282.7

Although the Greenville SC crime rate is higher than the national average, there are many safe places in Greenville to live. Most crime is centralized in certain areas that should be avoided. How safe is Greenville SC? That will depend on where you live. 

Safest Neighborhoods in Greenville

Aerial view of the downtown greenville south carolina area

Is Greenville SC a safe place to live? When searching for your new home in Greenville, safety is most likely high on your priority list. The Greenville SC crime rate can vary a lot depending on where you’re located in the city. Feeling safe within your new neighborhood is important, whether you’re looking for a close-knit community, great schools, historic charm, or convenience to shopping, dining, and downtown. The good news is that Greenville is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and quiet locations. Here are some of the safest neighborhoods in Greenville

North Main

Located just north of downtown Greenville, North Main is a much sought-after neighborhood that boasts a low Greenville SC crime rate, highly regarded schools, and an active neighborhood association. The community is full of historic charm, with historic and modern homes to choose from. The tree-lined streets are peaceful, and the neighborhood is close to all the downtown amenities. Falls Park on the Reedy is nearby for outdoor activities.  

Augusta Road

The neighborhood of Augusta Road offers a blend of safety, convenience, and family-friendly charm. Homes come in a variety of different architectural styles, from small bungalows to grand estates. There’s something for a wide range of preferences and budgets in Augusta Road. For families, the school district is excellent, and some of Greenville's highest-rated private schools are close by. 

The local business district features boutique shops, local restaurants, and more. Community events, neighborhood yard sales, and other community activities add to Augusta Road’s reputation as a safe, family-friendly neighborhood. It’s one of the best neighborhoods with a low Greenville SC crime rate.

Gower Estates 

Gower Estates offers tranquility and lots of space. The spacious lots are well-maintained, and the winding streets provide a sense of peacefulness. Gower Estates features mid-century modern and traditional Southern homes and a well-organized neighborhood association that coordinates closely with local law enforcement. The neighborhood has easy access to several parks and green spaces, including the popular Gower Park.  

Greenville Safety Tips – Greenville SC Crime Rate Safety Info

Though the crime rate Greenville SC has can look high, keep these tips in mind to stay safe:

  • Avoid high crime areas
  • Always be aware of your surroundings
  • Plan your route in advance
  • Always lock your doors and windows
  • Never leave valuables in plain view
  • Always lock your car
  • Park in well-lit areas
  • Use your garage to park vehicles at home
  • Don’t go out alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas
  • Never ask for or accept a ride from a stranger

Greenville Police Department

The Greenville Police Department has 209 sworn officers. Their mission is to collaborate with the community to prevent crime, promote safety, and enhance the quality of life, as well as to be the most effective community-focused police agency in America. Their core values are integrity, creativity, conscientiousness, fairness, courage, collaboration, excellence, and compassion. They work hard to keep the Greenville SC crime rate low.

Facts about the Greenville Police Department:

  • 209 sworn police officers
  • Headquarters - 204 Halton Road, Greenville SC 29607
  • Approximately 30.3 officers per 10,000 population
  • The Chief of Police is J.H. Thompson
  • Non-emergency phone number is (864) 271-5333

The Greenville Police Department provides high-quality law enforcement to those who live, work, and travel through the City of Greenville.

Greenville SC Crime Rate FAQ

The Reddy river running through downtown greenville south carolina

1. Is Greenville Safe?

Although Greenville’s crime rate is higher than the national average, there are many safe neighborhoods in the city. Greenville also has a lower crime rate than many metro areas in the US of similar size.   

2. Is Downtown Greenville SC Safe?

Yes, downtown Greenville is known as a safe, walkable area. As with any area, though, you should always take precautions after dark.  

3. What Is the Crime Rate in Greenville SC?

The overall Greenville SC crime rate is 82% higher than the national average. The crime rate in Greenville has recently seen a 16% decline, and residents have high rates of satisfaction living in Greenville.

Moving to Greenville? Trust Swamp Rabbit Moving to Help Get You There!

Are you moving to a new city? Greenville is a beautiful city with a welcoming atmosphere and many safe places to live. The Greenville SC crime rate is higher than the national average but lower compared to other towns of similar size. It’s important to note that crime is generally restricted to certain areas that can be easily avoided. 

With safe neighborhoods and a conscientious police force, you will feel safe living in Greenville. If you're moving to Greenville, you need a highly rated Greenville moving company to help you get there. With us, you can expect an easy and affordable experience at a low cost. Contact Swamp Rabbit Moving at 864-643-2213 for a free quote now!

Chris Sweet
We began as a small company, me and a few guys, and 1 truck in October of 2020. Since then, we have grown to 19 trucks, a staff 60, and a 40,000-square-foot warehouse. To say I’m blessed with a great team is a vast understatement. During this journey, we have provided living wage jobs to all our employees and poured back into our community in big ways. That is something I’m truly proud of.
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