The 2024 South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) annual crime report shows varying crime trends across Midlands counties. Lee and Sumter counties experienced an increase in violent crimes, while Calhoun and Saluda counties saw decreases. Property crime increased notably in Saluda (over 33%) and Newberry (over 16%) counties, with theft of equipment like four-wheelers and trailers cited as a major factor in Newberry.​
Newberry Sheriff Lee Foster highlighted challenges with neighboring county growth affecting crime spillover and noted that while larceny-related crimes were common, the county solved half of them. Despite the rise in some property crimes, total crime rates in Newberry slightly declined. Saluda Sheriff Josh Price pointed to weak legal consequences as an ongoing problem affecting recidivism, even though violent crime there decreased. Meanwhile, Calhoun County reported steep reductions in both violent crime (69%) and property crime (67%), credited to aggressive prosecution strategies and increased law enforcement staffing. Sumter County is also focusing on increased deputy presence to combat crime.​
This report reflects regional variations in crime dynamics and the impact of law enforcement strategies and judicial responses on crime rates across these Midlands counties.
