Hilton Head Island, SC Crime Rate & Safety

Hilton Head Island, SC has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 36% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 391 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 83 chance for property crime. Hilton Head Island has lower crime than 70% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Hilton Head Island is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B. Approximately 100% of the city's 14 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Long Cove is one of the safest areas, while Folly Field has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Hilton Head Island is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Hilton Head Island are Long Cove, Moss Creek, Palmetto Hall, Shipyard, and North Forest Beach. 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 Hilton Head Island include Folly Field, Palmetto Dunes, Old Plantation, Port Royal, and Indigo Run. 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 Hilton Head Island is 255.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 33% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 391 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.6 per 100K (48% below average); aggravated assault at 215.1 per 100K (20% below average); robbery at 26.3 per 100K (64% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Hilton Head Island is 1,204.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 34% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 83 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 184.4 per 100K (32% below average); larceny/theft at 824.7 per 100K (41% below average); vehicle theft at 195.1 per 100K (39% below average).

Hilton Head Island's overall crime rate is 36% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (20% below average), while rape is 66% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Hilton Head Island has lower crime than 70% of them.

Hilton Head Island is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 34% 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 Long Cove, Moss Creek, Palmetto Hall.

South Carolina as a whole has crime that is 16% above the national average. Hilton Head Island's crime rate is 36% below the national average, making it safer the typical South Carolina city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Hilton Head Island, with an estimated rate of 824.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 41% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,204 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (256 per 100K) in Hilton Head Island, which is consistent with national trends.