Violent Crime Rates Soar in Orangeburg County, Highlighting Poverty’s Role

Violent Crime Rates: Orangeburg County in the Spotlight

Welcome to Orangeburg, South Carolina – a vibrant community that unfortunately currently finds itself grappling with a major concern. Recent data has shown that Orangeburg County holds the infamous title for the highest rate of violent crime in the entire state for 2023, with around 143 violent crimes reported for every 10,000 residents. This revelation comes from a freshly released crime report by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

The Company Orangeburg Keeps

Coming in right behind Orangeburg is Allendale County, which recorded a chilling rate of about 122 violent crimes per 10,000 residents. Dillon County follows closely at 119, with Darlington County at 103, and Marlboro at 93. It’s daunting to think about these statistics, particularly as they highlight a concerning trend in our communities.

Understanding Violent Crime

So, what exactly counts as violent crime? The report categorizes it to include serious offenses such as aggravated assault, murder, robbery, and sexual battery. These kinds of crimes not only affect the immediate victims but leave lasting scars on families and the community as a whole, creating ripples of fear and anxiety.

Poverty: The Invisible Hand?

Solicitor David Pascoe, who oversees the 1st Judicial Circuit including Orangeburg, sheds light on what might be driving these horrific statistics. He points to poverty as the primary culprit. “When you look at the most violent counties and the least violent, all five of those top counties in the SLED report have poverty rates over 20%,” Pascoe noted. It seems there’s a direct link, as four out of the five most violent counties are also among the poorest in the state.

Data from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce highlights that poverty rates in counties like Allendale, Dillon, Marlboro, and Orangeburg range from 24% to a staggering 37%. This stands in stark contrast to counties that enjoy lower rates of violent crime, which have poverty rates below 20%.

Statistics Behind the Struggle

In fact, in the 2022 census, Allendale County had an astonishing poverty rate of 36.7%, followed closely by Dillon at 30.3%, Marlboro at 28.7%, and Orangeburg at 24.6%. This is a troubling situation when compared to national figures, where poverty rates varied from 3.1% to 42.4%, with a median of 13.6% across all counties.

A Neighborly Comparison

Pascoe points out an interesting fact; “Right next door to Orangeburg is Dorchester County, which is among counties with the least amount of poverty in the state, and has the lowest violent crime rate in the Lowcountry.” This comparison only strengthens the case that economic hardship plays a significant role in the rates of crime.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Interestingly, Orangeburg has a history of struggling with high crime rates. According to Pascoe, back in 2005, the county had one of the worst violent crime and homicide rates in the country, trailing only Washington, D.C. However, through a combination of tougher bond policies and more streamlined court processes, the situation gradually improved. From 31 murders in 2022, the number dropped to 17 in 2023, and as of now, it’s down to a promising single-digit number of eight in 2024.

The Challenge Ahead

Pascoe acknowledges that such dramatic turns take effort and commitment. He emphasizes the need to be tough on violent crime, stating, “If you want to get down from 31 to single digits in two years, you’ve got to get tough on guns and on assaults.” The call to keep public safety a top priority is clear.

As we navigate these challenging times, it’s essential to remember the human aspects of these statistics. Each number represents a life impacted, and our community must come together to address these root causes and work towards a safer, more equitable future.