Sumter, SC Crime Rate & Safety

Sumter, SC has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 70% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 149 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 25 chance for property crime. Sumter has higher crime than 92% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Sumter has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Sumter is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Sumter is 671.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 76% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 149 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.2 per 100K (83% above average); aggravated assault at 461.1 per 100K (72% above average); robbery at 135.6 per 100K (83% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Sumter is 4,025.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 120% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 25 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 441.6 per 100K (64% above average); larceny/theft at 2,920.1 per 100K (108% above average); vehicle theft at 664.0 per 100K (108% above average).

Sumter's overall crime rate is 70% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (108% above average), while burglary is 64% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Sumter has higher crime than 92% of them.

Visitors to Sumter should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 120% 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. Sumter's crime rate is 70% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical South Carolina city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Sumter, with an estimated rate of 2,920.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 108% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (4,026 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (671 per 100K) in Sumter, which is consistent with national trends.