Bluffton, SC Crime Rate & Safety

Bluffton, SC has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 49% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 599 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 69 chance for property crime. Bluffton has lower crime than 92% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Bluffton is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A-. Approximately 100% of the city's 13 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Hampton Hall is one of the safest areas, while Hampton Lake has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Bluffton is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Bluffton are Hampton Hall, Bluffton Park, Baynard Park, The Farm at Buckwalter, and Pine Ridge. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Bluffton include Hampton Lake, Belfair, Woodbridge, Rose Hill Plantation, and Hampton Hall. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Bluffton is 167.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 56% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 599 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.4 per 100K (32% below average); aggravated assault at 88.0 per 100K (67% below average); robbery at 56.9 per 100K (23% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Bluffton is 1,446.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 21% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 69 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 227.0 per 100K (16% below average); larceny/theft at 1,019.7 per 100K (27% below average); vehicle theft at 200.1 per 100K (37% below average).

Bluffton's overall crime rate is 49% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is burglary (16% below average), while assault is 67% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Bluffton has lower crime than 92% of them.

Bluffton is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 21% below 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 Hampton Hall, Bluffton Park, Baynard Park.

South Carolina as a whole has crime that is 16% above the national average. Bluffton's crime rate is 49% below the national average, making it safer the typical South Carolina city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Bluffton, with an estimated rate of 1,019.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 27% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,447 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (167 per 100K) in Bluffton, which is consistent with national trends.