10 Worst Cities in South Carolina for Business Crime & Security (2025)

10 Worst Cities in South Carolina for Business Crime & Security (2025)

We’re all familiar with the headlines about the most dangerous cities to live in, but what about the most dangerous cities for business in South Carolina? Behind the numbers are real risks that impact local companies every single day. From break-ins and theft to workplace violence and employee-related crimes, these challenges don’t just affect residents; they hit business owners, employees, and entire industries hard.

In this exclusive report from GenX Security Solutions, we break down the top 10 most dangerous cities for businesses in South Carolina using the latest data on commercial crime. We'll look at:

🏚️ Property Crimes – Learn how theft, burglary, and vandalism are impacting businesses across South Carolina.

⚠️ Workplace Violence – See where assaults and safety risks are putting employees in harm’s way.

🕵️ Employee-Related Theft – Understand how internal crimes affect profitability and trust.

📊 City-by-City Crime Trends – Get clear insights on the industries most at risk in each location.

🏭 Industries Most Affected – From manufacturing to retail, find out which sectors face the greatest threats.

🔐 Proven Security Solutions – Explore the tools businesses are deploying now, including advanced video surveillance, access control, and alarm systems, to safeguard people and property.

💡 Security Tip - Actionable steps local businesses can take first for big impact.

Is your business in one of these cities?

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10. North Charleston, SC

North Charleston is one of the state’s largest cities and an economic engine of the Lowcountry, hosting the Port of Charleston terminals, major manufacturers (like Boeing’s aircraft plant), and numerous businesses. Yet, North Charleston has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States due to its crime. The city’s total crime rate of around 55–57 per 1,000 people is about 147% above the national average, putting North Charleston in the bottom 5% for safety. Property crime is equally prevalent – from frequent vehicle thefts (nearly 1 in 169 chance per year) to commercial burglaries – meaning businesses face a constant threat.

👥 Population of North Charleston: ~113,880

📊 Crime Rate of North Charleston: ~56 per 1,000 (North Charleston’s total crime rate is among the highest in the nation). The city’s violent crime rate of 942 per 100k and property crime rate of 4,805 per 100k are far above state and U.S. averages.

🏭 Major Industries in North Charleston: Port operations (shipping and logistics), aerospace manufacturing (Boeing), automotive and tire manufacturing, and retail.

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in North Charleston: Gun violence and homicide rates in North Charleston are the highest in South Carolina. Armed robberies and assaults pose risks to both residents and workers. On the property side, businesses have to contend with high rates of burglary and vehicle theft – the city had one of the nation’s highest auto theft rates. Certain neighborhoods experience the brunt of the crime, but the reputation affects the whole city’s business climate.

🔒 Security Measures of North Charleston Businesses: In North Charleston, many companies collaborate closely with law enforcement given the stakes. The Port Authority, for example, has implemented advanced cargo scanning technology and RFID tracking to prevent smuggling and theft. Large employers like the Boeing plant utilize rigorous badge-access systems, on-site armed security, and extensive camera surveillance to protect personnel and intellectual property. Small businesses in crime-prone areas have likewise fortified themselves – installing steel security gates, alarm systems, and high-resolution security cameras. Police and community groups have also rolled out initiatives like neighborhood cameras and license plate readers to help curb violent activity. For any business in North Charleston, a comprehensive security plan (from employee safety training to modern alarm monitoring) is considered not just prudent but necessary.

💡 Security Tip for North Charleston's Businesses: In high-crime urban hubs like North Charleston, integrate video surveillance with access control to protect employees and assets from both violent and property threats.

www.genxsecurity.com/charleston-sc

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9. Florence, SC

Florence is a regional commercial hub in the Pee Dee area, known for its major hospitals and distribution centers. However, it also struggles with crime that impacts its business climate. Florence averages 5.6 violent crimes per day, with a violent crime rate of 1,156 per 100k (127% above the state average). Property crimes like break-ins and organized retail theft add to the risks for employers, especially those with 24-hour operations such as hospitals and factories.

👥 Population of Florence: ~38,500

📊 Crime Rate of Florence: ~56.2 per 1,000 people (violent crime 1,156 per 100k)

🏭 Major Industries in Florence: Healthcare (McLeod Regional Medical Center), manufacturing, transportation/logistics

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Florence: Robberies, assaults, vehicle break-ins, and organized retail theft driven by economic disparity and drug activity

🔒 Security Measures of Florence Businesses: In response, Florence’s major employers have tightened security. The hospital employs a dedicated security force with surveillance coverage, metal detectors in sensitive areas, and panic alarms for staff, especially after a security officer-involved shooting incident highlighted potential dangers. Local retailers and distribution centers use inventory control systems, integrated video surveillance, and access badges to reduce theft. Some industrial parks in Florence have even implemented a gated entry with security personnel and camera monitoring to protect high-value equipment from the city’s elevated property crime.

💡 Security Tip for Florence's Businesses: Businesses in Florence should combine on-site security with smart monitoring tools to ensure safety for both employees and inventory.

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8. Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach is a tourism powerhouse, but that also makes it a hotspot for opportunistic crimes. The city’s total crime rate is nearly 69 per 1,000 people, with property crime making up the bulk of incidents. Hotels, bars, shops, and restaurants face constant threats of theft, fraud, and break-ins, especially during peak tourist seasons. Despite these statistics, Myrtle Beach continues to draw tourists, which means local authorities and companies are continually investing in security to protect patrons and staff.

👥 Population of Myrtle Beach: ~33,600 (excluding millions of annual tourists)

📊 Crime Rate of Myrtle Beach: ~68.9 per 1,000 people (property crime 58.87 per 1,000; violent crime 10.03 per 1,000)

🏭 Major Industries in Myrtle Beach: Tourism/hospitality, retail, entertainment, real estate

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Myrtle Beach: Hotel thefts, shoplifting, car break-ins, and nightlife-related assaults despite strong police presence. Property crime is the biggest issue – everything from hotel room thefts and shoplifting to car break-ins in tourist parking areas.

🔒 Security Measures of Myrtle Beach Businesses: Both public agencies and private businesses have ramped up security in Myrtle Beach. The city has installed nearly 800 surveillance cameras at key intersections, parks, and visitor areas, which have helped police deter and solve crimes. Businesses such as hotels and amusement parks rely on 24/7 security camera systems, on-site security guards, and controlled entry (e.g. key-card access for hotel guests) to protect their property. In this bustling coastal center, experts recommend measures like remote video monitoring, access control, and alarm systems to secure assets and keep staff safe. For example, many beachfront resorts now use real-time camera monitoring and even license plate recognition in parking lots to quickly respond to incidents.

💡 Security Tip for Businesses in Myrtle Beach: In tourism-driven areas, use real-time video monitoring and license plate recognition to deter theft and protect customer-heavy properties.

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7. Dillon, SC

Dillon has one of the highest violent crime rates in South Carolina, at 1,873 per 100k – nearly four times the state average. Property crimes and gang activity compound the risks for local businesses – from local grocery stores to truck stops – which often face armed robberies, employee safety concerns, and property crimes despite the city’s modest size.

👥 Population of Dillon: ~6,400

📊 Crime Rate of Dillon: ~70.1 per 1,000 people (with aggravated assault as the most common violent offense)

🏭 Major Industries in Dillon: Agriculture, logistics (Inland Port Dillon), retail (travel/tourism stops on I-95)

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Dillon: High rates of aggravated assault, burglary, vandalism, and gang-related activity

🔒 Security Measures of Dillon Businesses: To combat these threats, many Dillon businesses are adopting integrated security systems. For instance, warehouses near the Inland Port use fenced perimeters with surveillance cameras and motion detectors to prevent cargo theft. Local retailers and restaurants have started using panic button alarms that employees can trigger during hold-ups, ensuring police are alerted immediately. Enhanced cooperation with law enforcement (like sharing security camera footage) has also been crucial in a city with limited police manpower.

💡 Security Tip for Businesses in Dillon: For logistics hubs like Dillon, invest in perimeter security and panic alarms to safeguard cargo, staff, and customers.

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6. Darlington, SC

Darlington, famous for its NASCAR track, faces serious crime challenges with a violent crime rate 227% above the SC average. Theft and drug-related crime issues directly affect local businesses – for instance, convenience store robberies and shoplifting are problems, and high crime can deter the tourism that NASCAR events bring.

👥 Population of Darlington: ~6,000

📊 Crime Rate of Darlington: ~70.3 per 1,000 people (violent crime rate 2.27x SC average)

🏭 Major Industries in Darlington: Sports tourism (Darlington Raceway), agriculture, light manufacturing

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Darlington: Theft, drug-related crime, shoplifting, and high assault/homicide rates. During big racing events, there is also a need for crowd control and preventing vehicle break-ins as thousands of visitors descend on the city.

🔒 Security Measures of Darlington Businesses: Darlington businesses and event organizers are proactive about security. On race weekends, the Speedway employs extensive event security staff, surveillance cameras, and metal detectors to manage the large crowds. Year-round, many local retailers have joined neighborhood watch programs and installed alarm systems. Some have even implemented ID-badge access for employee-only areas to reduce internal theft and after-hours break-ins, given the city’s struggles with drug-fueled property crimes.

💡 Security Tip for Businesses in Darlington: During major events, combine crowd control measures with permanent surveillance to keep businesses and visitors safe.

Security for Arenas and Stadiums from GenX Security

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5. Hartsville, SC

Hartsville may be home to Sonoco Products (a Fortune 500 manufacturer and South Carolina’s largest corporation by sales), and known as well for its small-town charm, but crime still runs high, with a violent crime rate nearly three times the state average. Both residents and businesses are affected by burglary and assault. Even a city with a strong corporate presence isn’t immune to crime’s effects on quality of life.

👥 Population of Hartsville: ~7,600

📊 Crime Rate of Hartsville: ~78.5 per 1,000 people (violent crime rate 284% above SC average)

🏭 Major Industries in Hartsville: Corporate headquarters (Sonoco), manufacturing, higher education (Coker University)

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Hartsville: Burglary, theft, assault; aggravated assaults are especially common

🔒 Security Measures of Hartsville Businesses: Hartsville’s major employers have invested in advanced security. For example, Sonoco’s campus and local factories use round-the-clock security personnel, surveillance cameras, and electronic access control to protect their facilities. Retailers in Hartsville’s downtown have also started using high-definition video systems and reinforced locks after hours, aiming to deter the wave of break-ins and ensure employee safety.

💡 Security Tip for Businesses in Hartsville: In smaller cities with high crime rates, layer physical barriers with smart surveillance to minimize after-hours burglary risks.

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4. Orangeburg, SC

Orangeburg has an overall crime rate of ~80 per 1,000 residents, including one of the highest violent crime rates in South Carolina. Home to two universities, this mid-sized city faces challenges both on and off campus. Property crimes and burglaries are frequent, affecting businesses, schools, and hospitals.

👥 Population of Orangeburg: ~12,700

📊 Crime Rate of Orangeburg: ~79.9 per 1,000 people

🏭 Major Industries in Orangeburg: Higher education (SC State University, Claflin University), healthcare, light manufacturing

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Orangeburg: High rates of assault, burglary, and robbery; frequent property crimes near campuses. Businesses report issues like burglary and vandalism, and even colleges have dealt with robbery incidents affecting students and staff.

🔒 Security Measures of Orangeburg Businesses: In Orangeburg, larger institutions and businesses are deploying robust security tech. The universities, for instance, have expanded their campus security camera networks and badge-access systems for buildings. Local retail stores and hospitals have added alarm systems and on-site security guards, especially during night hours, to counter the city’s crime surge.

💡 Security Tip for Businesses in Orangeburg: For college towns and healthcare centers, badge access plus advanced video surveillance camera coverage is essential to prevent both internal and external threats.

Related Post: Integrating Your Security Suite

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3. Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg is a larger urban center in Upstate South Carolina, and while it’s a hub of manufacturing and higher education, it also suffers from a very high crime rate of ~81.8 per 1,000 residents, driven by both violent and property crimes. Theft, assaults, and burglaries are common.

👥 Population of Spartanburg: ~37,400

📊 Crime Rate of Spartanburg: ~81.8 per 1,000 people (violent crime ~2.4x state average)

🏭 Major Industries in Spartanburg: Automotive/advanced manufacturing, logistics, higher education

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Spartanburg: Shoplifting, commercial burglary, car theft, and aggravated assault

🔒 Security Measures of Businesses in Spartanburg: Many Spartanburg manufacturers and warehouses use access-controlled entry and 24/7 video surveillance cameras to guard against theft. For example, facilities in the automotive supply chain have fenced perimeters with camera monitoring to prevent after-hours intrusions. Downtown businesses are also coordinating with police, adding panic buttons and alarm systems as a precaution against armed robberies in high-crime neighborhoods.

💡 Security Tip for Spartanburg Businesses: Industrial cities like Spartanburg benefit most from controlled entry systems that limit insider threats and keep facilities secure.

Mobile Surveillance Trailers from GenX Security

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2. Walterboro, SC

Walterboro, known as the “Front Porch of the Lowcountry,” has struggled with rising crime despite its small size. Walterboro has a violent crime rate more than 230% above the state average and one of the highest overall crime rates in SC. Theft and burglary are persistent problems for its retail and hospitality industries.

👥 Population of Walterboro: ~5,400

📊 Crime Rate of Walterboro: ~87.5 per 1,000 people

🏭 Major Industries in Walterboro: Retail (I-95 travel stops), agriculture, hospitality and restaurants catering to travelers.

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Walterboro: Burglaries, robberies, and car thefts linked to high poverty and unemployment

🔒 Security Measures of Walterboro Businesses: Business owners in Walterboro are investing in brighter lighting and video surveillance systems. Many gas stations and convenience stores have added HD security cameras covering fuel pumps and entrances to deter robberies. In addition, alarm systems and remote monitoring help compensate for limited police resources during off-hours.

💡 Security Tip for Businesses in Walterboro: In rural towns, remote monitoring and alarms provide critical backup when police resources are stretched thin.

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1. Union, SC

Union tops the list with the highest overall crime rate in South Carolina (~92.5 per 1,000 residents). Property crimes like theft and burglary are rampant, and violent incidents also affect the small city’s businesses. With economic challenges in the region, Union sees high levels of both violent incidents and property offenses. Business owners in Union have reported frequent break-ins and even the potential for disgruntled employee incidents, underscoring the need for vigilance. Many local factories and retailers are turning to 24/7 video surveillance and alarm systems to protect their assets in this challenging environment.

👥 Population of Union: ~7,700

📊 Crime Rate of Union: ~92.5 per 1,000 people

🏭 Major Industries in Union: Manufacturing (textiles, industrial), healthcare

🚨 Notable Crime Issues in Union: Theft, burglary, aggravated assault, and workplace violence risks

🔒 Security Measures of Businesses in Union: Factories and manufacturing facilities have added controlled access points and advanced video surveillance; shops use intrusion detection burglar alarms to trigger quick police response.

💡 Security Tip for Union Businesses: Businesses in Union should focus on 24/7 video surveillance with alarm integration to deter frequent property crimes.

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Staying Profitable, Safe, and Proactive in High-Crime Areas

Crime in these South Carolina cities presents complex challenges, but businesses are not helpless. A combination of awareness, technology, and community engagement can substantially reduce risks. Investing in modern security solutions – such as monitored alarm systems, video surveillance with remote access, and controlled entry systems – has proven effective in deterring thieves and providing critical evidence when incidents occur. For example, cities like Myrtle Beach and North Charleston have seen positive results from expansive camera networks and quick police response to alarms.

Businesses can take a page from these efforts by ensuring their properties are well-lit, covered by cameras, and outfitted with proper locks and access controls.

At GenX Security Solutions, we don’t just talk about safety—we deliver it. As one of the 50 Fastest Growing Companies in South Carolina for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025), our growth reflects the trust businesses across the state have placed in us to protect what matters most. With offices and local presence in Piedmont/Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Winston-Salem, our team is uniquely positioned to serve South Carolina’s most at-risk cities with integrated commercial security solutions—from video surveillance and access control to fire alarms, structured cabling, and mobile security trailers. If your business operates in one of South Carolina’s high-crime areas, partner with the state’s proven leader in commercial security integration.

Contact us to secure your South Carolina business! Our quotes are fast, fair, and always FREE.

Contact GenX Security Sales at 866-598-4369

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At GenX Security Solutions, we proudly serve businesses in all locations across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia with cutting-edge commercial security systems, access control solutions, structured cabling, fire alarms, and professional audio/visual integration. From bustling cities like Greenville and Raleigh to growing industrial hubs like Winston-Salem to hospitality hot spots like Myrtle Beach, our team delivers tailored solutions to meet your business’s unique needs.

Please visit our state-specific pages for more information on our services in various industries. We serve all cities in the Upstate and surrounding, including:

SOUTH CAROLINA	NORTH CAROLINA	GEORGIA
Aiken, SC	Asheville, NC	Alpharetta, GA
Anderson, SC	Burlington, NC	Athens, GA
Beaufort, SC	Cary, NC	Atlanta, GA
Charleston, SC	Chapel Hill, NC	Augusta, GA
Columbia, SC	Charlotte, NC	Carrollton, GA
Florence, SC	Concord, NC	Columbus, GA
Goose Creek, SC	Durham, NC	Dalton, GA
Greenville, SC	Fayetteville, NC	Douglasville, GA
Greenwood, SC	Gastonia, NC	Gainesville, GA
Greer, SC	Goldsboro, NC	Hinesville, GA
Hilton Head Island, SC	Greensboro, NC	Macon, GA
Lexington, SC	Hickory, NC	Marietta, GA
Mount Pleasant, SC	High Point, NC	Newnan, GA
Myrtle Beach, SC	Jacksonville, NC	Peachtree City, GA
North Charleston, SC	Kannapolis, NC	Rome, GA
Orangeburg, SC	Raleigh, NC	Roswell, GA
Piedmont, SC	Rocky Mount, NC	Sandy Springs, GA
Rock Hill, SC	Wilmington, NC	Savannah, GA
Spartanburg, SC	Wilson, NC	Valdosta, GA
Summerville, SC	Winston-Salem, NC	Warner Robins, GA