Hilton Head Island, SC Crime Map
Explore crime rates, safest neighborhoods, and detailed crime statistics
Hilton Head Island Crime Rate Statistics
Full Statistics100 = national average. Higher = more crime.
Violent Crime Risk
1 in 391
chance per year
33% lower than national avg
Property Crime Risk
1 in 83
chance per year
34% lower than national avg
Exploring Hilton Head Island's Crime Map: Your Guide to Community Safety
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is renowned for its picturesque beaches, lush golf courses, and vibrant communities. As a popular destination for both residents and visitors, safety is a top priority. Utilizing Hilton Head Island's detailed crime map can provide valuable insights into local safety trends, helping you navigate the island confidently and responsibly.
The Importance of a Crime Map in Hilton Head Island
A crime map is a powerful tool that visualizes recent criminal activity across the island. It allows residents and visitors to:
- Identify Crime Hotspots: Recognize areas with higher incidents to stay cautious.
- Plan Safer Activities: Choose locations and routes with lower crime risks.
- Stay Informed: Access real-time updates on criminal activity.
- Enhance Community Safety: Promote awareness and proactive engagement.
Accessing Hilton Head Island's Crime Map
Getting up-to-date crime data for Hilton Head Island is straightforward. You can:
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED): Visit their Crime Data Portal for comprehensive county and city crime statistics.
- Third-Party Crime Mapping Services: Platforms like SpotCrime and CrimeMapping.com provide interactive maps tailored to Hilton Head Island.
Features of the Hilton Head Island Crime Map
The crime map offers several helpful features, including:
- Crime Categories: Visual markers for theft, vandalism, assault, and other offenses.
- Time Filters: Review data over specific periods to observe recent trends.
- Heat Maps: Highlight areas with increased criminal activity.
- Incident Details: Click on markers to learn more about each reported crime.
Crime Trends on Hilton Head Island
Understanding local crime patterns helps in fostering a safer community. Current data indicates:
- Theft and Burglary: Common in vacation rental areas and shopping districts.
- Property Damage and Vandalism: Frequently reported in public parks and recreational spots.
- Violent Incidents: Relatively low, but occasional altercations near busy venues.
Safety Tips for Hilton Head Island Visitors and Residents
While the crime map provides valuable insights, personal vigilance remains essential. Consider these safety tips:
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the crime map and local news sources.
- Report Suspicious Behavior: Contact local authorities if you observe anything unusual.
- Secure Your Property: Lock doors and windows, especially in vacation rentals.
- Participate in Community Programs: Engage with neighborhood watch initiatives and safety campaigns.
Conclusion
Hilton Head Island's crime map is an invaluable resource for maintaining safety and awareness on the island. By leveraging this tool along with proactive safety measures, you can enjoy all that Hilton Head has to offer while staying secure. For detailed crime reports and updates, visit the South Carolina Government and the SC Law Enforcement Division.
All 14 Neighborhoods in Hilton Head Island
Ranked by safety (safest first)| Rank | Neighborhood | Score | Safety | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Long Cove | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $250,434 |
| #2 | Moss Creek | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $121,535 |
| #3 | Palmetto Hall | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $106,176 |
| #4 | Shipyard | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $121,418 |
| #5 | North Forest Beach | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $94,377 |
| #6 | Hilton Head Plantation | A | Very safe | $107,515 |
| #7 | Wexford | A | Very safe | $186,611 |
| #8 | Sea Pines | A | Very safe | $106,670 |
| #9 | Windmill Harbour | A | Very safe | $80,342 |
| #10 | Indigo Run | A | Very safe | $107,276 |
| #11 | Port Royal | A | Very safe | $100,228 |
| #12 | Old Plantation | A | Very safe | $78,404 |
| #13 | Palmetto Dunes | A- | Very safe | $93,085 |
| #14 | Folly Field | B+ | Above average | $82,632 |
All 14 Neighborhoods by Crime Level
Ranked by crime (highest first)| Rank | Neighborhood | Score | Safety Level | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Folly Field | B+ | Above average | $82,632 |
| #2 | Palmetto Dunes | A- | Very safe | $93,085 |
| #3 | Old Plantation | A | Very safe | $78,404 |
| #4 | Port Royal | A | Very safe | $100,228 |
| #5 | Indigo Run | A | Very safe | $107,276 |
| #6 | Windmill Harbour | A | Very safe | $80,342 |
| #7 | Sea Pines | A | Very safe | $106,670 |
| #8 | Wexford | A | Very safe | $186,611 |
| #9 | Hilton Head Plantation | A | Very safe | $107,515 |
| #10 | North Forest Beach | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $94,377 |
| #11 | Shipyard | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $121,418 |
| #12 | Palmetto Hall | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $106,176 |
| #13 | Moss Creek | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $121,535 |
| #14 | Long Cove | A+ | Exceptionally safe | $250,434 |
Hilton Head Island Demographics Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Hilton Head Island Crime & Safety (2026)
Is Hilton Head Island safe in 2026?
Hilton Head Island ranks as Very Safe with a city-wide Safety Rating of A — the highest tier available. Of the 14 neighborhoods analyzed, 92.9% earned a Grade A and the remaining 7.1% earned a Grade B, meaning 100% of all neighborhoods fall into the combined Safe (A+B) category. Not a single neighborhood on the island received a C, D, or F rating. Gated communities like Long Cove (A+), Moss Creek (A+), and Palmetto Hall (A+) anchor the island's exceptional safety profile, while even the relatively higher-crime area of Folly Field still holds a solid B+ rating. For context, the island's 3.3% unemployment rate and 6.9% poverty rate — both well below national averages — correlate strongly with its low crime environment.
What is the crime rate in Hilton Head Island compared to other communities?
Hilton Head Island's overall crime grade is B at the city level, but its neighborhood-level data tells an even stronger story. 13 out of 14 neighborhoods (92.9%) carry an A-range grade, with five of those earning the top mark of A+: Long Cove, Moss Creek, Palmetto Hall, Shipyard, and North Forest Beach. The only neighborhood outside the A range is Folly Field, which holds a B+ — still a well-above-average safety rating. With a median household income of $86,171, a median home value of $490,007, and a population density of just 373 people per square mile, Hilton Head Island's demographic and geographic characteristics contribute to crime rates that are consistently lower than comparable coastal resort communities.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Hilton Head Island?
Five neighborhoods share the distinction of an A+ safety grade, the highest rating in our analysis:
- Long Cove — A+ | Median income: $250,434 | Population: ~912. The island's most affluent neighborhood and its safest.
- Moss Creek — A+ | Median income: $121,535 | Population: ~244. A smaller, tight-knit community with outstanding safety metrics.
- Palmetto Hall — A+ | Median income: $106,176 | Population: ~1,364. A larger planned community with consistently low crime.
- Shipyard — A+ | Median income: $121,418 | Population: ~1,102. A resort-area neighborhood that maintains top-tier safety.
- North Forest Beach — A+ | Median income: $94,377 | Population: ~592. A popular beach-access area that still earns the top safety grade.
Just below the A+ tier, Hilton Head Plantation (A, pop. 7,229), Sea Pines (A, pop. 6,818), Wexford (A, median income $186,611), Windmill Harbour (A), and Indigo Run (A, pop. 2,678) all maintain Grade A ratings, making them excellent choices for families, retirees, and long-term residents prioritizing safety.
Which neighborhoods in Hilton Head Island have relatively higher crime?
Even Hilton Head Island's relatively higher-crime neighborhoods are objectively safe by most standards. Folly Field is the only neighborhood in our dataset to fall outside the A range, earning a B+ — a rating that would be considered excellent in the vast majority of U.S. cities. Palmetto Dunes holds an A-, and Old Plantation, Port Royal, and Indigo Run all carry straight A grades. The absence of any C, D, or F-rated neighborhoods across all 14 areas analyzed is a meaningful data point: 100% of Hilton Head Island neighborhoods are rated Safe or better. Visitors and prospective residents should feel confident that even areas with slightly lower grades remain well within safe parameters.
Is Hilton Head Island a good place to live based on crime and quality-of-life data?
The data strongly supports Hilton Head Island as one of the safer and more prosperous small cities in South Carolina. Key indicators include:
- Overall Crime Grade: B at the city level, with a neighborhood-level Safety Rating of A (Very Safe)
- 92.9% of neighborhoods rated Grade A; 100% rated Grade B or better
- Median Household Income: $86,171 — significantly above the national median
- Unemployment Rate: 3.3% — well below the national average
- Poverty Rate: 6.9% — among the lower rates for South Carolina communities
- Median Home Value: $490,007 — reflecting sustained demand and community investment
Whether you're drawn to the gated luxury of Long Cove, the resort lifestyle of Sea Pines, or the family-friendly environment of Hilton Head Plantation, the crime data consistently points to an island where safety is the norm rather than the exception. For families, retirees, remote workers, and seasonal residents alike, Hilton Head Island's combination of low crime, strong incomes, and low unemployment makes it a compelling place to call home.
Surrounding Cities
Hilton Head Island Zip Codes
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