Occasionally, a report ranking U.S. cities according to crime or traffic accidents is presented in such a way that Myrtle Beach ends up on the list. The facts are that Myrtle Beach is considerably safer than such a report might indicate. The information is inaccurate and misleading because such rankings are based on per-capita numbers (only the people who live here full-time), not the total number of residents and visitors (transient population) that we welcome.
As a popular vacation destination, Myrtle Beach’s effective daily population is 10 times greater than its permanent population. The city has many visitors throughout the year, but especially during the warmer months.
If the rankings were to use the “effective population instead of the per-capita amount, Myrtle Beach would be listed among the safest cities anywhere. Furthermore, the number of actual crimes has decreased significantly in the past 20 years, according to the most recent crime statistics.
Bottom line, Myrtle Beach is safe for both residents and visitors.
Fact Check:
- Myrtle Beach has 35,000-plus permanent residents, but the Grand Strand welcomes over 17 million annual visitors. The city’s effective population is 10 times greater than the number used in crime reports.
- With 60 miles of beaches, 90-plus golf courses and 2,000-plus restaurants, the Myrtle Beach area is one of the top visitor destinations in the country.
- In recent years, the Myrtle Beach area has been ranked one of the fastest growing communities in the U.S., according to rankings by U.S. News and World Reports.
- Over the past 15 years, crime in Myrtle Beach has decreased significantly. In fact, since 2004, the incidence of Part 1 crimes has fallen by more than 40 percent.
- The Myrtle Beach Police Department alone uses more than 1,200 cameras for 24-hour monitoring of public places. The department also is growing with more than 300 officers and staff.
- Myrtle Beach is not only ranked as one of the fastest growing places in the U.S., it is also noted on national lists for best beaches, best places to retire, best small cities to visit and best vacation destinations for families.
To see more of our destination’s recent accolades, visit myrtlebeachareacvb.com/news.
A statement on Myrtle Beach Crime Stats and Public Safety by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau can be viewed here.