Lee County Crime & Safety

Lee County, South Carolina

Safety Score

7/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3092.4

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

634.2

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2458.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

7/100

Higher = safer

State avg 14/100

State Safety Rank

#31

of 46 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Lee County, South Carolina

Lee County Faces Higher Crime Challenges

Lee County reports 3092.4 crimes per 100K residents, well above the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds a safety score of 95.1, reflecting these local safety pressures.

Lee County Below State Safety Average

Lee County's safety score of 95.1 is lower than the South Carolina state average of 95.4. Its total crime rate of 3092.4 also exceeds the statewide average of 2,920.8.

Lee County Compared to Neighboring Kershaw

Lee County experiences more crime than neighboring Kershaw, with roughly 400 more incidents per 100K residents. Eight agencies work to address crime across the county's jurisdictions.

High Violent Crime Rates in Lee

Violent crime in Lee County is 634.2 per 100K, significantly higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 2458.2 per 100K, contributing to the majority of police calls.

Enhancing Security in Lee County

With elevated property crime rates, residents should take proactive steps to secure their homes. Neighborhood watch programs and upgraded locks can help improve safety in high-activity areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Lee County, SC?

Lee County has a total crime rate of 3092.4 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (634.2 per 100K) and property crimes (2458.2 per 100K).

Is Lee County, SC safe?

Lee County has a safety score of 7/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #31 out of 46 counties in South Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

How does Lee County crime compare to the South Carolina average?

Lee County's safety score of 95.1 is lower than the South Carolina state average of 95.4. Its total crime rate of 3092.4 also exceeds the statewide average of 2,920.8.

What types of crime are most common in Lee County?

Violent crime in Lee County is 634.2 per 100K, significantly higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 2458.2 per 100K, contributing to the majority of police calls.

How is crime data measured and reported for Lee County?

Crime data for Lee County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Lee County?

Lee County has a safety score of 7/100, which is below the South Carolina average of 14/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.