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Top 7 Safest Cities in South Carolina to Live in 2025!
Your Safe Haven Awaits You!
Table of Content
Moving to the next city can be fun, and a little scary, especially when you're looking to settle down somewhere that's safe. If you’re considering the safest cities in South Carolina, you are in luck. This state has some really great, safe neighborhoods in South Carolina that not only keep crime rates low but also have a great vibe for students and young people just starting out.
7 Safest Cities in South Carolina
Whether you’re looking for a quiet, safe suburb in South Carolina or a bustling college town, the safest cities in South Carolina will have you relaxing and at ease without losing fun or convenience.
Through this guide to the safest cities in South Carolina, I will provide you with all the information you need to live comfortably and safely, allowing you to focus on your new adventure, not your home.
STATE | POPULATION | CRIME RATE (per 1,000 residents) | VIOLENT CRIME RATE (per 1,000 residents) |
|---|---|---|---|
South Carolina | 5,282,634 | 28 | 4.91 |
With a state crime rate of 28 per 1,000 residents and 4.9 for violent crime, it’s smart to look into the safest cities in South Carolina for a more secure place to live.
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Mount Pleasant is one of those cities almost everyone talks about when it comes to safe cities in South Carolina, and it’s not hard to see why. The crime rate here is relatively low, and the neighborhoods like Old Village have a laid-back and friendly vibe. This is the kind of place you can walk around day or night without feeling anxious.
Statistic | Reported incidents | Mount Pleasant/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total crime | 1,389 | 1,442 | 2,664 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 9 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 14 | 14.5 | 36.4 | 38 |
| Robbery | 16 | 16.6 | 39.2 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 109 | 113.2 | 386.4 | 264.1 |
Violent crime | 139 | 144 | 471 | 364 |
| Burglary | 82 | 85.1 | 321.3 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 1,026 | 1,065.20 | 1,617.70 | 1,347.20 |
Vehicle theft | 142 | 147.4 | 254.1 | 318.7 |
Property crime | 1,250 | 1,298 | 2,193 | 1,917 |
And since it’s not that far from Charleston, you can always go and get your city fix when you want it, then come back to a friendly neighborhood and quiet streets when you want it. It’s a great location if you want to stay safe but still have fun stuff nearby.
Tega Cay, South Carolina
If you're wanting a hidden gem of a safe place in South Carolina that feels more laid back than other areas, you want Tega Cay. Tega Cay is small and quiet. It is such neighborhoods like Woodbridge that feel as if everyone knows each other... in a good way. Low crime rates mean that you can concentrate on your studying or work, and not have to worry about safety, which is always a plus!
Statistic | Reported incidents | Tega Cay/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total crime | 130 | 923 | 2,664 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 9 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 0 | 0 | 36.4 | 38 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 39.2 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 3 | 21.3 | 386.4 | 264.1 |
Violent crime | 3 | 21 | 471 | 364 |
| Burglary | 5 | 35.5 | 321.3 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 119 | 844.8 | 1,617.70 | 1,347.20 |
Vehicle theft | 3 | 21.3 | 254.1 | 318.7 |
Property crime | 127 | 902 | 2,193 | 1,917 |
There are parks, lakes, and places to go outdoors, so not only is it safe, but it's a nice place to unwind and relax. If you want a place that has a peaceful vibe and that really feels like a community, you should consider Tega Cay!
According to recent FBI crime data, several of the safest cities in South Carolina, such as Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant, and Tega Cay.
Fort Mill, South Carolina
Fort Mill is a great option if you want one of the safest cities in South Carolina that still feels alive. Popular neighborhoods such as Baxter Village are so popular because they are clean and safe, while having plenty of close-by activities to choose from. For students or young people relocating here, Fort Mill truly feels like a place where you can settle down with little worry of crime occurring.
Statistic | Reported incidents | Fort Mill/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total crime | 230 | 671 | 2,664 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 9 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 4 | 11.7 | 36.4 | 38 |
| Robbery | 2 | 5.8 | 39.2 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 22 | 64.2 | 386.4 | 264.1 |
Violent crime | 28 | 82 | 471 | 364 |
| Burglary | 12 | 35 | 321.3 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 167 | 487 | 1,617.70 | 1,347.20 |
Vehicle theft | 23 | 67.1 | 254.1 | 318.7 |
Property crime | 202 | 589 | 2,193 | 1,917 |
It is also close and convenient to Charlotte, making it the best of both worlds, with everything you want for a quiet, safe home and a short drive to big city action. A good choice for someone who wants security, while not sacrificing nightlife or events.
Lexington, South Carolina
Lexington is a relaxed and safe environment, considered home to many families and students. With low crime rates, especially in neighborhoods adjacent to Lake Murray, leisure time can be used for leisure! Plus, the environment is a perfect small town without too many activities.
Statistic | Reported incidents | Lexington/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total crime | 27 | 107 | 2,664 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 9 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 0 | 0 | 36.4 | 38 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 39.2 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 4 | 15.9 | 386.4 | 264.1 |
Violent crime | 4 | 16 | 471 | 364 |
| Burglary | 0 | 0 | 321.3 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 2 | 8 | 1,617.70 | 1,347.20 |
Vehicle theft | 21 | 83.6 | 254.1 | 318.7 |
Property crime | 23 | 92 | 2,193 | 1,917 |
Outdoor exploration or studying quietly is comfortably possible in the safe environment of Lexington. If safety is a priority with the need to not feel "locked down," Lexington's neighborhoods are great options.
Clover, South Carolina
Clover’s kind of that cozy town where everyone waves when they see you, and the crime here is super low, which makes it one of the safest places in South Carolina to live. Neighborhoods like Bethany are peaceful, with quiet streets perfect for studying or just chilling. If you want somewhere relaxed and safe, Clover’s laid-back vibe is pretty hard to beat.
Statistic | Reported incidents | Clover/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total crime | 88 | 1,134 | 2,664 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 1 | 12.9 | 9 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 2 | 25.8 | 36.4 | 38 |
| Robbery | 1 | 12.9 | 39.2 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 10 | 128.8 | 386.4 | 264.1 |
Violent crime | 14 | 180 | 471 | 364 |
| Burglary | 8 | 103.1 | 321.3 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 62 | 798.8 | 1,617.70 | 1,347.20 |
Vehicle theft | 4 | 51.5 | 254.1 | 318.7 |
Property crime | 74 | 953 | 2,193 | 1,917 |
It’s not huge, but that’s part of the charm. Everything feels manageable and friendly. Great for students who want a safe base but don’t need the big-city hustle.
Lyman, South Carolina
Lyman is a somewhat hidden town in South Carolina, but it is extremely safe, which is great for students who want to study without fear of crime. Neighborhoods like Old Town are quiet and generally calm, making it safe to walk around at all hours. It's the kind of place where neighbors know each other, which is why Lyman is frequently ranked among the safest places in South Carolina.
Statistic | Reported incidents | Lyman/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total crime | 1,389 | 1,110 | 2,664 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 9 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 0 | 0 | 36.4 | 38 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 39.2 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 1 | 15 | 386.4 | 264.1 |
Violent crime | 1 | 15 | 471 | 364 |
| Burglary | 11 | 165 | 321.3 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 56 | 840.2 | 1,617.70 | 1,347.20 |
Vehicle theft | 6 | 90 | 254.1 | 318.7 |
Property crime | 73 | 1,095 | 2,193 | 1,917 |
For the relaxed, small-town type of people who like a feeling of security, Lyman is an option. It's simple, inviting, and offers an opportunity to live without the hassle of city-style living - definitely one of the best safe places to live in South Carolina for students or anyone new to the state.
Bluffton, South Carolina
Bluffton has a great combination of old charm with new living, plus it is one of the safest cities in South Carolina! The historic district is safe to walk in, has friendly neighbors, and a variety of local locations to visit. If you are a student looking for safety that is not boring, Bluffton is considered one of the safest cities in South Carolina, which has that balance.
Statistic | Reported incidents | Bluffton/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Total crime | 392 | 1,030 | 2,664 | 2,281 |
Murder | 1 | 2.6 | 9 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 4 | 10.5 | 36.4 | 38 |
| Robbery | 4 | 10.5 | 39.2 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 20 | 52.5 | 386.4 | 264.1 |
Violent crime | 29 | 76 | 471 | 364 |
| Burglary | 48 | 126.1 | 321.3 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 267 | 701.5 | 1,617.70 | 1,347.20 |
Vehicle theft | 48 | 126.1 | 254.1 | 318.7 |
Property crime | 363 | 954 | 2,193 | 1,917 |
Adding to that is the easy access to nature and beaches; so not only is it safe, it is a fun place to live! Bluffton is a great option if you are looking for safety plus a little bit of charm, which makes it one of the best safe places to live in South Carolina!
Tips for Finding a Safe Place to Live in Illinois
Trying to find a safe place to live in Illinois? Here are some easy, real-world tips locals actually use:
Download apps like Nextdoor or Citizen; they give you a feel for what’s happening in the neighborhood day to day. Super helpful for spotting red flags early.
Check out crime maps using tools like SpotCrime or CrimeMapping to get the bigger picture of what’s going on nearby.
Look up official stats from the Illinois State Police or local sites like the Chicago Data Portal if you want hard numbers to back things up.
Visit in person, more than once, walk or drive through at different times of day. Notice if the streets are clean, if people are out and about, and how you feel.
Chat with people who live there; most folks are happy to share their thoughts, and you’ll get a way better read than you would online.
Final thoughts
It doesn’t have to be stressful to find a safe area to live in South Carolina. When you only focus on looking for areas with low crime rates and strong communities, like Mount Pleasant and Tega Cay, there are plenty of great places you can safely experience. Cities like Bluffton and Fort Mill frequently appear on national lists highlighting the safest cities in South Carolina, thanks to a combination of low crime statistics, strong public schools, and family-friendly environments
Whether you’re a student seeking peace of mind or someone simply looking for a quiet, secure place to call home, exploring the safest cities in South Carolina is a great place to start.. Safety is never just about statistics; it's about a feeling of familiarity and confidence! Research as much as you want, visit neighborhoods, and go with what you're comfortable with!
You're looking for a place that will feel like home and be safe while you concentrate on what's really important, your studies and learning for the future. Just make sure you do some research, and have a great time exploring and finding your home! Or just check out amber to find your safest city to live in South Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest city to live in South Carolina?
Mount Pleasant often tops the list thanks to its low crime rates, great schools, and overall peaceful vibe.
What parts of South Carolina are safest?
Suburban areas like Tega Cay, Fort Mill, and Bluffton are known for being clean, quiet, and incredibly safe.
What are the top 5 safest cities in South Carolina?
Mount Pleasant, Tega Cay, Bluffton, Fort Mill, and Isle of Palms are the top picks if safety is your number one priority.
Is Charleston, SC, a safe place to live?
Charleston is pretty safe overall, especially in areas like West Ashley and James Island that feel more laid-back.
What small towns in South Carolina are safest?
If you’re after small-town charm and peace of mind, Tega Cay, Kiawah Island, and Clover are some of the safest around.