Laurens, SC Crime Rate & Safety

Laurens, SC has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 31% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 196 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 37 chance for property crime. Laurens has higher crime than 83% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Laurens has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Laurens is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Laurens is 509.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 34% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 196 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.6 per 100K (32% above average); aggravated assault at 371.0 per 100K (38% above average); robbery at 84.9 per 100K (15% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Laurens is 2,703.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 48% 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 366.9 per 100K (36% above average); larceny/theft at 1,906.4 per 100K (36% above average); vehicle theft at 429.8 per 100K (35% above average).

Laurens's overall crime rate is 31% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (41% above average), while robbery is 15% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Laurens has higher crime than 83% of them.

Visitors to Laurens should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 48% 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.

South Carolina as a whole has crime that is 16% above the national average. Laurens's crime rate is 31% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical South Carolina city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Laurens, with an estimated rate of 1,906.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 36% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,703 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (510 per 100K) in Laurens, which is consistent with national trends.