Orangeburg County Struggles with Highest Violent Crime Rate in South Carolina for 2023

Orangeburg County Faces High Violent Crime Rates in 2023

Orangeburg, SC – Recent crime data reveals a concerning trend in Orangeburg County, which has recorded South Carolina’s highest rate of violent crime in 2023. With a staggering rate of approximately 143 violent crimes per 10,000 residents, this Midlands County is grappling with a significant challenge. The report from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division highlights the struggles faced by Orangeburg and neighboring counties, emphasizing the connection between poverty and crime rates.

A Closer Look at Violent Crime

The types of crime classified as violent in this report include aggravated assault, murder, robbery, and sexual battery. Following Orangeburg County in this unfortunate ranking are Allendale County, with about 122 violent crimes per 10,000 inhabitants, Dillon County at 119, Darlington County at 103, and Marlboro County at 93.

As the data takes center stage, Solicitor David Pascoe, who oversees the 1st Judicial Circuit including Calhoun, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties, sheds light on underlying issues. “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%,” says Pascoe, pointing out a troubling correlation.

Poverty Rates and Crime Link

The poverty rates in Allendale, Dillon, Marlboro, and Orangeburg counties range from 24 to 37%, according to the latest available data from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. To put this in a broader context, the national poverty rates varied from 3.1% to 42.4% in 2022, with a median at 13.6%. In South Carolina specifically, Allendale County topped the list with a poverty rate of 36.7%, followed closely by Dillon County at 30.3%.

In stark contrast, counties with the least violent crime reported poverty rates below 20%. This brings to light an interesting observation. For example, while neighboring Dorchester County has some of the lowest poverty rates in the state, it also boasts the lowest violent crime rate in the Lowcountry.

Historical Trends in Crime Rates

Pascoe acknowledges that Orangeburg has had its share of problems with violent crime in the past. “When I took over as solicitor in 2005, Orangeburg was recognized for having the worst violent crime and homicide rates in the country other than Washington, D.C.,” he recalls. Fortunately, swift action was taken, resulting in a substantial decrease in these troubling statistics.

Recent Improvements

Through strategic measures focused on strengthening enforcement, Pascoe’s office, in collaboration with law enforcement, has seen murder rates drop dramatically. “In 2022 we had 31 murders in Orangeburg,” he noted. “We got it down to 17 in 2023, and right now in 2024, we’re in single digits with just 8.” This significant decline shows the impact of focused efforts against violent crime.

Moving Forward

Looking ahead, Pascoe emphasizes the need for tough measures against violent offenders. “If you want to get down from 31 to single digits in two years, you’ve got to get tough on guns and assaults and not worry about emptying the jails, but to fill them up with dangerous criminals, to keep them off our streets,” he stated firmly.

The community continues to watch as efforts unfold to address these issues. As crime rates fluctuate, residents remain hopeful for lasting solutions that ensure safety and prosperity within their neighborhoods. The relationship between poverty and crime is a complex one, and understanding this link is crucial for a brighter future.