South Forest Beach Neighborhood, Hilton Head Island
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
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in Hilton Head Island
Is South Forest Beach Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. South Forest Beach in Hilton Head Island, SC has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 171, which is 71% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Hilton Head Island average (crime index 126), South Forest Beach is 45% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 191, 91% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 43). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
South Forest Beach Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Hilton Head Island city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
191 | +91% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
94 | -6% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
43 | -57% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
How South Forest Beach Compares
Crime index by category: South Forest Beach vs Hilton Head Island average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Forest Beach Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Forest Beach Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island?
South Forest Beach in Hilton Head Island, SC has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 171, which is 71% above the national average. Compared to the Hilton Head Island average, crime in South Forest Beach is 45% higher.
Is South Forest Beach a safe neighborhood in Hilton Head Island?
South Forest Beach is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Hilton Head Island, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 191), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 43).
How does South Forest Beach compare to the rest of Hilton Head Island?
South Forest Beach's overall crime index is 171, compared to the Hilton Head Island average of 126. This means crime in South Forest Beach is 45% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 119, and for property crime it is 152. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in South Forest Beach?
The most prevalent crime type in South Forest Beach is Assault, with a crime index of 191 (91% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near South Forest Beach?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Sea Pines, Shipyard, North Forest Beach and Wexford. These areas are close to South Forest Beach and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Forest Beach?
South Forest Beach has a population of approximately 2,483. The median household income is $53,059. The median home value is $578,454. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Forest Beach crime compare to the national average?
South Forest Beach's overall crime rate is 71% above the national average (index 171 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.