Safety in Central SC

Safety You Can Count On

Families can count on safety in Central SC. Cities within our Region consistently rank high for safety, and crime rates are relatively low in our suburbs and rural regions. Irmo, Lexington, and Chapin, all suburbs of Columbia, were ranked among the safest cities in South Carolina by Niche in 2021. Friendly neighbors are sure to offer support whenever you need it. Our positive community atmosphere and welcoming environment are fueled by the Southern hospitality of our residents. Here, you’re never a stranger – and you’ll always have friends looking out for you.

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#2

Safest City in South Carolina (Irmo)

Niche 2021

#3

Safest City in South Carolina (Lexington)

Niche 2021
A group of people gathered at the Columbia Food and Wine Festival in the Central SC Region

Safety in Columbia, SC

The Columbia Police Department is an integral part of the community. Keeping the community and our citizens safe is their top priority, and they are constantly working hard to maintain a high-standard and keep people out of harm’s way. Visit the Columbia Police Department site to learn more.

An aerial image of Lake Murray with a scenic sunset and small peninsula of houses in the Central SC Region

Highest-Ranked Towns and Cities for Safety

Two of the highest-ranked towns for safety in Central SC are Irmo (#2) and Lexington (#3). Irmo, a small town on the border of Lexington and Richland Counties, is just 10 miles from the capital city of Columbia. With low housing costs, plenty of parks and opportunities for outdoor recreation, Irmo offers a small-town atmosphere with access to big-city amenities. Lexington, located in Lexington County, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. Families, young graduates and retirees all flock to this city thanks to its ideal location and thriving downtown district. 

Featured News & Stories

Browse our latest news and read about our ambassadors to see what life is really like in Central SC.

October 5, 2023

West Fraser grows Newberry County operations with third expansion in 10 years

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Oct. 5, 2023 | South Carolina Department of Commerce) – West Fraser, one of the largest timber producers in North America, today announced it is growing its Newberry County sawmill operations with its third expansion in 10 years. The $17.7 million investment will create 30 new jobs. Founded by three brothers in 1955, West […]

September 29, 2023

South Carolina HBCUs part of $10M US Department of Energy renewable energy project

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Three of South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be involved in a nationwide project that has been awarded $10 million from the US Department of Energy. The Second life sMARt sysTems (SMART) project will work to solve the problem of the growing stockpile of electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries by […]

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