11 Safest Places to Live in South Carolina -2023

South Carolina is one of the incredibly gorgeous States with quality schools, job opportunities, affordable cost of living, and green space.

From Pawleys Island, and Kiawah Island to Charleston and Aiken there are so many places to visit in South Carolina which are safe to reside with family.

South Carolina has a population of 5,217,037 with a total of 169,678 crimes recorded in 2022. It is a much safer place for you with 1 in 185 chances to be a victim of violent crime.

However, Myrtle Beach, Dillon, Hartsville, Spartanburg, and Anderson have recorded highly violent crimes but there are also plenty of safe places in South Carolina with affordable living and opportunities. 

I have analyzed the safe places to live in South Carolina in terms of property crime, motor vehicle theft, burglary, larceny, rape, murder, assault, and robbery.

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The data set and places herein inform you about the safety, cost of living and other opportunities to plan your next address.

So, here I bring the most up-to-date information on the safest places to live in South Carolina based on your health and safety!

read: 26 Things South Carolina Is Known For

Safest Place to Live in South Carolina

Fort Mill

Population: 28,634

Unemployment rate: 4.5%

Cost of living index: 106.4 (US average of 100)

Crime rate: 10.73 (per 1,000 residents)

As you stroll through the streets of Fort Mill you will feel you’ve stepped back in time, with the old Victorian buildings which are now run by dominant tech companies. 

Being a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, Fort Mill ranks top of the list of safe places to live in South Carolina in terms of crime rate, education, and economy.

Closeness to forests, pristine lakes, pastures, green space, theme parks called Heritage USA, and quiet serenity is a very appealing factors of Fort Mill.

Most recent statistics show Fort Mill ranks #5 on the List of Top 100 Best Cities for Outdoor Living in 2023. Approx. 7.3% of students enrol in private high schools.

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There are 8 public elementary schools that have been rated 55.7 (with 100 being the best) in the United States receiving high marks from parents and students.

Children can easily access the best school from their homes. A high school teacher earns around $46,527 per year. 

 As per research, you have 1 out of 766 chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Fort Mill. On the other hand, 1 out of 106 chance to be a victim of property crime. 

The cost of living of a single adult in Fort Mill is around $39,446 annually which is higher compared to the national figure by a minimum of $1,200. 

However, on average the income of a household is around $81,401, with affordable insurance costs and renting prices, Fort Mill is the safest place in South Carolina. 

Read: 11 Best Christmas Towns In South Carolina

Tega Cay

Population: 14,395

Unemployment rate: 4.5%

Cost of living index: 113.9 (US average of 100)

Crime rate: 17.92 (per 1,000 residents) 

Tega Cay is a beautiful waterfront community on Lake Wylie which is just a few miles from Interstate 77. Every American calls Tega Cay “The Good Life”. 

As per USA Today, Tega Cay holds the 12th best position to raise a family in America. The education, recreation, golf courses, parks, and facilities are the best.

Here you’ve got a golden opportunity to watch a ski show at Windjammer Park enjoying the lake view and the environment. You should visit the Museum of York County.

The low property taxes and zero social security tax, make Tega Cay an excellent place for retirees. The annual cost of living is around $36,133. 

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Whereas, the median home value is around $316,500 which is higher compared to the national average. Therefore, you can rent which is a cheaper option. 

Also, Atrium Health offers the best quality cancer and heart care treatment for the residents. In terms of safety, Tega Cay is 33% safer than other US cities. 

You have 1 out of 2,566 chances to be a victim of violent crime and 1 out of 57 chances to be a victim of property crime. 

This makes Tega Cay one of the safest places to live in South Carolina. Also, it has a good educational school system for families to reside in. 

Bluffton

Population: 32,273

Unemployment rate: 3.3%

Cost of living index: 101.4 (US average of 100)

Crime rate: 8.08 (per 1,000 residents)

Bluffton’s proximity to Hilton Head Island, Georgia, and Charleston makes it one of the most desirable places to live in South Carolina. 

A visit to May River and Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a must. The city offers high-quality amenities, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking scenery.

Upon that the gorgeous beaches, intertwined streets with oak trees, lakes, Spanish moss, and a lot of green space make it an incredible location to reside.

As per the US News report, Bluffton High School is ranked 24th in terms of Advanced Placement coursework and exams within South Carolina. 

The cost of living for a single adult in Bluffton is around $ 41,987 annually. However, the average median income of a person is $74,695. 

The price of a home is high but not the other expenses. Bluffton is considered one of the wealthy and safest places to live in South Carolina.

In terms of safety, Bluffton is ranked 65% lower than the national average. The town earned an “A+” rate in overall safety. 

You have 1 out of 1,109 chances to become a victim of violent crime and 1 out of 139 chances to be a victim of property crime. 

Isle of Palms

Population: 4,410

Unemployment rate:4.4%

Cost of living index: 179.8 (US average of 100)

Crime rate: 14.72 (per 1000 residents)

North of Savannah and South of Myrtle Beach with stunning shorelines to Southern hospitality, Isle of Palms is the funniest and most colorful place to reside with kids.

The island is famous for its gorgeous sunrise and sunset on the beach boosting the tourism and hospitality sector is the strongest in the economy. It also has a good care facility. 

Isle of Palms has acknowledged is 69 out of 100 in terms of liability rate by Citytistatics. The median housing expense is $814,400, however, if you rent then it is much more affordable. 

The reason why Isle of Palms is considered the safest city in South Carolina is that it recorded a crime rate 66.4% lower than the national average. 

You have 1 out of 621 chances to be a victim of violent crime whereas 1 out of 76 chance to be a victim of property crime. 

Also, the island welcomes a variety of cultures and religions making it one of the most diverse societies in America. However, the education quality has been ranked “C+”. 

Mount Pleasant

Population: 97,689

Unemployment rate: 1.70%

Cost of living index: 128.7 (US average of 100)

Crime rate: 14.88 (per 1,000 residents)

With a family-friendly atmosphere, top-notch school, tons of restaurants, and proximity to Charleston, Mount Pleasant is one of the safest places to live in South Carolina.

In terms of neighborhood, Mount Pleasant is very diverse. Dunes West, Old Village, and Carolina Park are full of old charm, sophistication and gorgeous homes. 

The crime rate in Mount Pleasant is relatively low. You have 1 out of 966 chances to be a victim of violent crime and 1 out of 72 chances to be a victim of property crime.

The crime rate is 55% lower compared to the average in South Carolina. This is the very reason people desire to reside here and it is now the 12th fastest-growing city in South Carolina. 

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However, as per 247wallst research, the cost of living of a single adult is $38,455 annually which is greater than the national average.

Mount Pleasant is highly demanded among Americans. Therefore, you’ve got a higher chance to try your luck in the real estate market. 

The cost is very natural because of its proximity to the beach and Francis Marion National Forest and Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area.

Safest Cities in South Carolina

Edgefield

Population: 1,593

Unemployment rate: 2.9%

Cost of living index: 79.8 (US average of 100)

Crime rate: 6.46 (per 1,000 residents)

Edgefield is called “fanciful” and one of the most attractive spots for the nature enthusiast to explore the Forks Area Trail System (FATS), and the National Wild Turkey Federation Wild Turkey Center. 

It is one of the charming towns tucked in the Middle Western part of South Carolina and part of Great Wagon Road from the North.

The abundance of recreational activities makes Edgefield one of the most beautiful and happy places to call home. The city has above-average public schools.

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The average household income in Edgefield is $ 26,685 per month. On the other hand, the average median home value is $100,200, which is less than the national average. 

In Edgefield, you have a 1 in 10,000 chance to become a victim of violent crime, and 1 in 155 chances to become a victim of property crime. 

With a very low unemployment rate, and a strong economy from the manufacturing, accommodation, and health care sector, Edgefield is one of the safest cities in South Carolina. 

Woodruff

Population: 4,248

Unemployment rate: 4.7%

Cost of living index: 76.5 (US average of 100)

Crime rate: 8.31 (per 1,000 residents)

Woodruff in Spartanburg County is one of the safe places to live in South Carolina because it focuses on the creation of a vibrant environment of growth for residents.

It has also been ranked as 31st of 121 best suburbs for young professionals in South Carolina as a developer, and new businesses aim to expand here. 

The information states that the annual average cost of living is around $33,193 which is much less compared to the national average. 

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Here the median home value is $101,500 which is again less costly compared to other cities in South Carolina. It has been ranked 40th of 121 in terms of diversity. 

According to the latest data, Woodruff is the safest place to live in South Carolina as it recorded only 4 violent crimes and 31 property crimes in 2022. 

Therefore, you only have 1 in 1,053 chances to become a victim of a violent crime and 1 in 136 chances to become a victim of a property crime. 

Hanahan

Population: 21,024

Unemployment rate: 3.1%

Cost of living index: 100.2 (US average of 100)

Crime rate: 13.78 (per 1,000 residents)

Hanahan is a city in Berkeley County with very little development and shares proximity with Charleston. You might hear of Joint Base Charleston military base.

The very reason people want to come here is its access to the Lowcountry outdoors, excellent schools, and hospitality, location, and development projects.

The city has excellent living space with an average cost of living of around $ 39,356 per year. The median home value is around $216,000. 

The Berkeley County School District enrolls more than 37,000 students in grades K-12 with an above-average reputation on Niche.com. 

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Hanahan has a violent crime rate below the state average with 45 violent crimes and 235 property crimes reported in 2022.

Hanahan is the safest place to live in South Carolina as it prepares for future growth and expansion. The tourism and hospitality business makes the economy stronger. 

Mauldin

Population: 25,276

Unemployment rate: 3.1%

Cost of living index: 87.3 (US average of 100)

Crime rate: 23.18 (per 1,000 residents)

Mauldin is the most progressive community in Greenville County between Atlanta and Charlotte. It has 11 bike trails and a lot of parks and greenways.

There are many new urban development projects making the city incredible for economic development. The graduation rates are at 90% in Mauldin.

The well-knitted neighborhoods like Sunset Heights and the Grove are the best. Also, Mauldin is the best place to retire.

The cost of living is 10% lower than the national average which makes it ideal to build your home. The crime rate is 23% below compared to the USA.

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You have a 1 in 369 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Mauldin is not only the safest place to live in South Carolina but has one of the strongest communities.

Festivals and events are hosted by the city attracting tourists every year to spend time, work, and relax. Not only that, Mauldin is one of the cheap safe places to live in South Carolina.

What are the Safest Cities in South Carolina from Hurricanes? 

As per the research, the southern part of South Carolina is not safe from hurricanes. 

Hurricanes ignite and pose a grave danger of flooding, destroying property and lives. 

Charleston, Fort Myer, Myrtle Beach, Burton and the south-eastern part are under huge threat from a hurricane.

The safest cities in South Carolina from Hurricanes are as follows – 

Columbia

Population: 138,840

Crime rate: 48.5 (per 1,000 residents)

Columbia is the safest city in South Carolina as it sits at the centre. It is the second-largest city and capital of South Carolina. It sits in the Piedmont region.

Central

Population: 5,274

Crime rate: 19.64 (per 1,000 residents)

Central sits in the northwest corner of South Carolina close to Lake Hartwell and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is safe from hurricanes and offers a lot of outdoor adventure. 

Conclusion

With the diverse landscape of ocean cities and mountain towns, South Carolina is one of the most demanded places to reside in America. 

I won’t argue that South Carolina has a very less crime rate but it is one of the most democratic states in America with proper justice for the residents. 

The list of safest cities in South Carolina is very less dangerous, recording consistently low crime rates as per FBI crime reports. 

Therefore, if you plan to make a new address in any of the safest towns of South Carolina, you’re most welcome. See you soon! 

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