Marlboro County Crime & Safety

Marlboro County, South Carolina

Safety Score

4/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3727.7

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

970.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2757.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

4/100

Higher = safer

State avg 14/100

State Safety Rank

#37

of 46 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Marlboro County, South Carolina

Significant Gaps in National Safety Comparisons

Marlboro County faces a total crime rate of 3,727.7 per 100K, far surpassing the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 94.1, reflecting challenges in local public safety metrics.

Ranked Below the State Safety Average

At 94.1, Marlboro County's safety score is lower than the South Carolina average of 95.4. Local agencies report a crime environment that is more active than many other regions in the state.

A Higher Crime Profile than Neighbors

Marlboro’s crime rate of 3,727.7 is roughly 27% higher than the statewide average of 2,920.8. This positioning makes it one of the more active areas for law enforcement in the Pee Dee region.

Violent Crime Rates are notably Elevated

The violent crime rate of 970.5 per 100K is nearly three times the national average of 369.8. Property crime also remains high at 2,757.2, suggesting a broad range of safety challenges for residents.

Strengthening Community and Home Defense

With high violent and property crime figures, investing in secure entry points and neighborhood watch programs is vital. Residents should maintain close contact with the 10 local reporting agencies for updates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Marlboro County, SC?

Marlboro County has a total crime rate of 3727.7 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (970.5 per 100K) and property crimes (2757.2 per 100K).

Is Marlboro County, SC safe?

Marlboro County has a safety score of 4/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #37 out of 46 counties in South Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

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

At 94.1, Marlboro County's safety score is lower than the South Carolina average of 95.4. Local agencies report a crime environment that is more active than many other regions in the state.

What types of crime are most common in Marlboro County?

The violent crime rate of 970.5 per 100K is nearly three times the national average of 369.8. Property crime also remains high at 2,757.2, suggesting a broad range of safety challenges for residents.

How is crime data measured and reported for Marlboro County?

Crime data for Marlboro 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 Marlboro County?

Marlboro County has a safety score of 4/100, 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.