11 Safest Cities in South Carolina
- Fort Mill
- Bluffton
- Traveler’s Rest
- Mount Pleasant
- North Augusta
- Tega Cay
- Lexington
- Mauldin
- Charleston
- Columbia
- Greenville
1. Fort Mill
The safest city in South Carolina is Fort Mill. This small city is a laid-back, historic community in York County. Fort Mill has a population of 24,521 and a crime rate that is 71% lower than the national average. Fort Mill is home to several large companies, such as Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, LPL Financial, and the original producer of the Carolina Reaper Pepper. The Fort Mill Historic District gives downtown a distinct colonial charm. The median home price in Fort Mill is $492,622.
2. Bluffton
Bluffton is also one of the safest places to live in South Carolina. Bluffton is a town in Beaufort County surrounded by lakes, rivers, and tree-lined streets. The population of Bluffton is 27,716, and the town’s crime rate is 66% below the national average. Bluffton is located along the May River, with many docks and lakefront properties. Bluffton is just a short drive from Hilton Head Island, making beach trips convenient. Bluffton is known for its scenic inlet views making for great sunsets under the local palm trees. The median home price in Bluffton is $475,139.
3. Traveler’s Rest
Traveler’s Rest is another one of the safest cities in South Carolina. It’s a small city located about 10 miles north of Greenville and 20 miles from the North Carolina border, with a population of 7,788 as of the 2020 census. It has a quiet, small-town atmosphere and there are many respected schools nearby including Furman University and North Greenville University.
Travelers Rest is a very safe city, and the violent crime rate is 97% lower than the national average. It does suffer from some minor property crimes, but it’s still safer than 60% of cities in the US. Your chances of being the victim of a crime in Traveler’s Rest are 1 in 36.
4. Mount Pleasant
Another one of the safest cities in South Carolina is Mount Pleasant. This quaint suburban community is located along South Carolina’s coast and is 54% safer than the national average. Mount Pleasant is a charming colonial-style town with willow-lined streets, coastal inlets, great food, and incredible sunsets. Mount Pleasant is home to local sights such as Patriots Point, which houses the WWII-era ship USS Yorktown. Mount Pleasant’s Historic District is home to many points of interest, such as St. Andrew Church which was built in 1857. The current median home price in Mount Pleasant is $755,708.
5. North Augusta
North Augusta is also one of the safer cities in South Carolina. Situated across the Savannah River near the Georgia Border, North Augusta is directly across from Savannah, GA. The city is known for its top-rated schools, excellent medical facilities, and low crime rate.
The violent crime rate in North Augusta is 54% lower than the national average. It’s safer than 46% of cities in the US, and your chances of being the victim of a crime in North Augusta are 1 in 41.
4. Tega Cay
Tega Cay is another one of the safest places to live in SC. Tega Cay is a laid-back lakefront community located in the northern part of the state. With a population of 7,621, Tega Cay’s crime rate is 38% below the national average. Tega Clay is located along Lake Wylie, making for plenty of water-sport activities. Tega Clay is located just two miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. The median home price in Tega Clay is $555,757.
5. Lexington
Lexington is a safe suburban town located near Columbia and is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. Lexington has a population of 24,626 and a crime rate that is 29% lower than the national average. Lexington dates back to the Revolutionary War, with many buildings located on the National Register of Historic Places. The current median home price in Lexington is $289,577.
6. Mauldin
Mauldin is located in western South Carolina, not far from many of the state’s best hiking trails. Mauldin has a population of 24,724 and a total crime rate that is 17% below the national average. Mauldin is the ideal city for families and retirees, having plenty of amenities and a great quality of life. Mauldin has a historic downtown that has a wide array of restaurants and shops. The median home price in Mauldin is currently $280,811.
7. Charleston
Charleston is also one of the safest cities to live in South Carlina. Charleston is also one of South Carolina’s top tourist destinations and vacation spots. Charleston is located along South Carolina’s coast and features some of the state’s best views, such as Rainbow Row, the Battery, Waterfront Park, and King Street. Charleston is home to many historic buildings, such as the Calhoun Mansion, the Charleston Museum, and the Gibbes Museum of Art. The median home price in Charleston is currently $521,559.
8. Columbia
Besides being one of the safest cities in South Carolina, Columbia is the state capital and a major commerce center. Columbia is home to many businesses, military installations, and universities, including the University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson. Columbia’s history goes back to early Spanish exploration with many well-preserved historical sites such as the Hale-Elmore-Seibels House. The current median home price in Columbia is $224,468.
9. Greenville
Greenville is a safe and growing city in Greenville County that has a population of 70,720. The city has been ranked as having some of the best Southern food in the United States, with many downtown food festivals being held annually. Numerous large companies are located in Greenville, such as Michelin, Prisma Health, Bon Secours, and Duke Energy. As more companies, restaurants, and shops come to Greenville, the area continues to be a desirable place to live. The current median home price in Greenville is $295,952.