Pawleys Island, SC Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 91% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Pawleys Island Safe?
Yes — Pawleys Island is safe overall
A safe city with below-average crime, though safety varies by neighborhood.
Pawleys Island has a crime rate that is 48% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 474.
100% of Pawleys Island neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety, while 0% have high crime rates.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 474
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
45% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 86
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
37% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Pawleys Island Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
37 | -63% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
72 | -28% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
16 | -84% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
15 | -85% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
52 | -48% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
60 | -40% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
58 | -42% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Pawleys Island Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Pawleys Island?
Safety varies dramatically across Pawleys Island's 3+ neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 3 neighborhoods in Pawleys Island
All Pawleys Island Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hagley Estates | A+ | 36 |
| 2 | The Reserve | A+ | 42 |
| 3 | River Club | A | 100 |
Pawleys Island Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Pawleys Island zip codes.
Pawleys Island Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Pawleys Island, SC?
Pawleys Island, SC has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 48% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 474 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 86 chance for property crime. Pawleys Island has lower crime than 91% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Pawleys Island, SC safe to live in?
Pawleys Island is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A-. Approximately 100% of the city's 3 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Pawleys Island is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Pawleys Island?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Pawleys Island are Hagley Estates, The Reserve, and River Club. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What is the violent crime rate in Pawleys Island?
The estimated violent crime rate in Pawleys Island is 210.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 45% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 474 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 1.9 per 100K (63% below average); aggravated assault at 191.8 per 100K (28% below average); robbery at 12.1 per 100K (84% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Pawleys Island?
The estimated property crime rate in Pawleys Island is 1,162.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 37% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 86 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 139.8 per 100K (48% below average); larceny/theft at 836.9 per 100K (40% below average); vehicle theft at 186.1 per 100K (42% below average).
How does Pawleys Island crime compare to the national average?
Pawleys Island's overall crime rate is 48% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (28% below average), while rape is 85% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Pawleys Island has lower crime than 91% of them.
Is Pawleys Island safe to visit?
Pawleys Island is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 37% 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 Hagley Estates, The Reserve, River Club.
How does Pawleys Island crime compare to the rest of South Carolina?
South Carolina as a whole has crime that is 16% above the national average. Pawleys Island's crime rate is 48% below the national average, making it safer the typical South Carolina city.
What type of crime is most common in Pawleys Island?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Pawleys Island, with an estimated rate of 836.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 40% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,163 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (211 per 100K) in Pawleys Island, which is consistent with national trends.