Beaufort, SC Crime Rate & Safety
Higher crime than 78% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Beaufort Safe?
It's average — crime is at the national average
Crime rates are comparable to the national average. Being aware of your surroundings is advisable.
Beaufort has a crime rate that is 19% above the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 220.
100% of Beaufort neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety, while 0% have high crime rates.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 220
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
19% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 37
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
46% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Beaufort Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
135 | +35% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
111 | +11% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
135 | +35% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Beaufort Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Beaufort?
Safety varies dramatically across Beaufort's 2+ neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 2 neighborhoods in Beaufort
All Beaufort Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cat Island | A | 55 |
| 2 | University of South Carolina Beaufort - Beaufort Campus | B- | 167 |
Beaufort Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Beaufort zip codes.
Beaufort Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Beaufort, SC?
Beaufort, SC has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 19% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 220 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 37 chance for property crime. Beaufort has higher crime than 78% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Beaufort, SC safe to live in?
Beaufort has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 100% of the city's 2 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Beaufort is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Beaufort?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Beaufort are Cat Island, and University of South Carolina Beaufort - Beaufort Campus. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What is the violent crime rate in Beaufort?
The estimated violent crime rate in Beaufort is 454.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 19% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 220 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.8 per 100K (35% above average); aggravated assault at 298.3 per 100K (11% above average); robbery at 100.0 per 100K (35% above average).
What is the property crime rate in Beaufort?
The estimated property crime rate in Beaufort is 2,680.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 46% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 37 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 393.0 per 100K (46% above average); larceny/theft at 1,848.9 per 100K (32% above average); vehicle theft at 438.7 per 100K (38% above average).
How does Beaufort crime compare to the national average?
Beaufort's overall crime rate is 19% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (47% above average), while assault is 11% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Beaufort has higher crime than 78% of them.
Is Beaufort safe to visit?
Visitors to Beaufort should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 46% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Cat Island, University of South Carolina Beaufort - Beaufort Campus.
How does Beaufort crime compare to the rest of South Carolina?
South Carolina as a whole has crime that is 16% above the national average. Beaufort's crime rate is 19% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical South Carolina city.
What type of crime is most common in Beaufort?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Beaufort, with an estimated rate of 1,848.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 32% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,681 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (454 per 100K) in Beaufort, which is consistent with national trends.