Myrtle Beach Buzz: What AI Reveals About Top Conversations

Overview of Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach has long been a popular vacation spot, drawing millions of tourists each year to enjoy its beautiful beaches and coastal charm. The city is also recognized as one of the top places in the country to relocate, with many people choosing to make it their home. However, like many tourist-driven cities, Myrtle Beach faces its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to crime and public safety.

Is Myrtle Beach Safe?

Historically, Myrtle Beach has had higher crime rates than the national average. While city officials have reported a decrease in violent crime over the years, certain types of offenses, such as property crimes and drug-related activities, remain a concern. In 2022, Police Chief Amy Prock noted a 22% reduction in violent crime between 2017 and 2021, along with a 29% drop in property crime during the same five-year period.

Despite these improvements, a 2024 review of the city's crime data showed over 133,000 calls for service—an increase from the previous year. Although there was a decline in larceny-related calls, shoplifting and fraud increased. To address these issues, the city has installed more than 1,000 security cameras and license plate readers. Since then, hundreds more cameras have been added in various areas.

In 2023, the violent crime rate in Myrtle Beach was approximately 49 per 1,000 residents, which is 2.4 times higher than the national average. The reasons cited for this include the influx of tourists, a transient population, and large-scale events that attract crowds.

Is Myrtle Beach a Good Place to Live?

The permanent population of Myrtle Beach is just over 35,000, but this number swells significantly during the tourist season, reaching around 150,000 additional residents. The city offers affordable housing and has become a desirable location for retirees and those seeking a beach lifestyle. It is often ranked among the top places to live in the U.S. due to its low cost of living, attractions, and amenities.

However, the local economy is heavily dependent on tourism, leading to seasonal jobs that are often low-wage or temporary. Concerns about overcrowding, infrastructure, and public safety persist. Additionally, the region is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, though the city has an effective emergency management system in place.

Public Safety Spending

Public safety is a major focus for the city, with a significant portion of the annual budget allocated to police and emergency services. In 2024, the police department received $44.5 million, a nearly 10% increase from the previous year. Despite this, the department has faced a shortage of 50 officers, which poses a challenge in reducing crime. The fire department had a $23.7 million budget for 2024.

Top Citizen Complaints

Residents have raised concerns about property crimes, including theft and break-ins, as well as drug activity, loitering, and recent violent incidents near the beach. Noise disturbances, speeding, and traffic issues are also frequently reported.

Challenges Faced by City Officials

City leaders have struggled with maintaining Myrtle Beach's reputation amid reports of recent violent crimes. Terms like "Murder Beach" and "Dirty Myrtle" have been used to describe the city, which has affected its image. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., the strain on resources such as police and city services has increased. The police department has highlighted staffing shortages, social issues, and increasing reliance on law enforcement, all while facing a lack of funding and resources.

The fire department has also noted that the growing population and increased demand for services have placed a heavy burden on emergency response, especially during large events like Myrtle Beach Bike Week and the Carolina Country Music Festival.

Mayoral Candidates and Public Safety

Candidates for mayor, including current Mayor Brenda Bethune, have addressed the city’s challenges. Bethune has emphasized public safety as her top priority, calling for greater security presence, improved lighting, and surveillance in high-traffic and high-crime zones. Mayoral candidate Mark Kruea has proposed hiring more police officers and reducing city spending, noting that the city's budget has grown by 96% in less than a decade.

Is Myrtle Beach a Good Place to Visit?

Myrtle Beach remains a popular vacation destination, offering miles of beaches, a variety of attractions, and affordable accommodations. The area provides something for everyone, including over 60 miles of coastline along the Grand Strand.

However, visiting during peak season—typically from May through Labor Day—can be challenging due to heavy crowds, busy roads, and long waits at restaurants and attractions. Parking and traffic can be difficult. While property crimes are higher than the national average, violent crimes in tourist areas are generally rare.