Myrtle Beach, SC Crime Rate & Safety

Myrtle Beach, SC has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 5% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 285 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 48 chance for property crime. Myrtle Beach has lower crime than 36% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Myrtle Beach has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 100% of the city's 21 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, The Lakes is one of the safest areas, while Arrowhead has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Myrtle Beach is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach are The Lakes, Tuscany, Waterbridge, The Dunes, and Dunes Cove. 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 Myrtle Beach include Arrowhead, Waterford Plantation, Grande Dunes, Plantation Lakes, and Pine Lakes. 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 Myrtle Beach is 351.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 8% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 285 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.7 per 100K (6% below average); aggravated assault at 260.7 per 100K (3% below average); robbery at 60.6 per 100K (18% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Myrtle Beach is 2,088.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 48 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 241.8 per 100K (10% below average); larceny/theft at 1,522.6 per 100K (9% above average); vehicle theft at 324.5 per 100K (2% above average).

Myrtle Beach's overall crime rate is 5% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (9% above average), while rape is 25% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Myrtle Beach has lower crime than 36% of them.

Visitors to Myrtle Beach should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 14% 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 The Lakes, Tuscany, Waterbridge.

South Carolina as a whole has crime that is 16% above the national average. Myrtle Beach's crime rate is 5% below the national average, making it roughly comparable to the typical South Carolina city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Myrtle Beach, with an estimated rate of 1,522.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 9% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,089 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (351 per 100K) in Myrtle Beach, which is consistent with national trends.