South Carolina Criminal Justice & Crime Rates 2026
Incarceration rates, crime statistics, criminal justice reform, and political context in South Carolina for 2026.
404
Incarceration Rate (per 100k)
Yes
Death Penalty
Not Legal
Marijuana Legalization
#8
Violent Crime Rate Rank
Criminal Justice Overview
South Carolina maintains the death penalty and has carried out executions in recent years. The state has high crime rates in some areas. Charleston and Columbia face gun violence challenges. The state has limited criminal justice reform.
Key Criminal Justice Data
| Indicator | Status |
|---|---|
| Incarceration Rate (per 100k) | 404 |
| Total Prison Population | 20,000 |
| Violent Crime Rate Rank | #8 nationally |
| Death Penalty | Yes |
| Recreational Marijuana | Not Legal |
| Bail Reform | Traditional |
| Police Reform Legislation | No |
Political Context
South Carolina Republicans maintain tough criminal justice positions. The state carried out executions via firing squad in 2022, the first in decades. Crime is a significant political issue. Some bipartisan cooperation on drug courts has occurred.