Is Mauldin Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Mauldin, South Carolina, offers visitors a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.

Established in the late 19th century as a railroad stop, Mauldin grew steadily through the 20th century, transforming from an agricultural community into a thriving suburban hub.

Today, it boasts a diverse population and a vibrant community spirit.

While Mauldin is a popular place for new residents, I can’t say it’s very exciting as a tourist destination.

One of the biggest entertainment providers comes from the Mauldin Cultural Center, which hosts art exhibits and performances, showcasing the town’s cultural evolution.

For outdoor lovers, Mauldin offers numerous parks and green spaces, including Sunset Park and Springfield Park, ideal for picnics, hiking, and family outings.

The city’s dedication to recreational facilities is evident in its state-of-the-art Sportscenter, catering to sports enthusiasts of all ages.

Mauldin is heavily residential, but there’s a spark underway in 2024 that is paving the way for more entertainment districts and places to visit in the future.

As with several other cities I’ve researched for these articles, you might just find you want to move to Mauldin.

Warnings & Dangers in Mauldin

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Mauldin, but also not a lot to do within the city limits. Crime rates are low, and most activities are community-based, not tourist attractions.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Greenlink is the public transportation system for Greenville, and several routes go through Mauldin. Taxis and/or rideshares will be easy to summon. Rental cars are another great way to explore more regions of Greenville because not much is in Mauldin.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

In the past five years, just three pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported. There is a greater risk of your vehicle being broken into than your wallet getting taken.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This is a medium risk as severe weather can happen throughout the year, and that includes possible tornadoes and severe thunderstorms capable of extraordinary damage. The good news is that all weather risks come with plenty of advance notice if you know where to look, and I've got some options later on in this article.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is 40% lower than the national average and just four highway robberies were reported in 2022. The risk is low, but it's important to keep your guard up, especially after local events.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk in Mauldin and across Greenville. The Terrorism Advisory Bulletin from Homeland Security will explain that mass shootings and domestic terrorism can happen anywhere, any time - unfortunately, there isn't a formula that suggests one place is more at risk than another when it comes to those threats. The best thing you can do is be vigilant and report anything suspicious.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

This is a heavily residential area, so the scams here will focus on the people who live here. Most scams are run-of-the-mill, preying on pressure or fear to get people to give a scammer money. One common scam is someone posing as a law enforcement officer.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There's a low risk for women here, too, and that goes for solo travelers or senior citizens. You still want to use basic safety standards, but there's no ongoing risk here.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Greenville Water provides tap water for Mauldin, and the 2022 Water Quality Report shows full compliance with standards met or exceeded. Enjoy the water with a low risk.

Safest Places to Visit in Mauldin

Mauldin’s city website has a section of things to do, but I can tell it’s more for people who live there, as it includes things like parks, the senior center, and the local community center – not tourist attractions.

The Mauldin Chamber of Commerce is another option, but keep in mind that businesses and places listed there are generally members of the Chamber.

This is an ideal place to find local events throughout the year.

To learn about even more events, check out the Mauldin Cultural Center’s website, which also covers performances and theater productions.

Of course, there’s also the fact that Mauldin is a sleepy suburb of Greenville.

You’ll find more information about how to move here than what to do while you’re visiting.

I’ve tried to gather some interesting stuff for you, but there’s just not a lot to do within the city limits.

Mauldin doesn’t have a downtown – or at least, didn’t.

In late 2024, the City Center development is expected to open, bringing an entertainment complex (finally!) to this fast-growing city.

The Conestee Nature Preserve is next door to Mauldin, with 640 acres to explore along boardwalks, paths, and viewing decks.

What’s especially amazing about this wildlife area is that it once was home to a nauseating stench on the river.

This preserve fixed that problem and opened an outdoor area to the community.

You’ll also be just six miles from a major shopping and entertainment area at I-85 and I-385.

You’ll find amusement at Frankie’s with go-karts and arcade games, plus huge shopping options like the famous Bass Pro Shop.

I’m not sure that I’ve ever had a more challenging time trying to tell you what to do in a community, but I can tell you that all the fun in Greenville is just eight miles away.

One of the biggest reasons to visit Mauldin is for the festivals and events.

Places to Avoid in Mauldin

Mauldin doesn’t have bad neighborhoods or dangerous parts of town.

If anything, it might be a place to avoid if you want to have a bunch of activities nearby – this is much more of a suburban residential area than a big tourist destination.

Only a handful of hotels are in this area, but the growth of tourism is fueling a short-term rental surge.

The threat of a tornado is real in Mauldin, even though it’s not in the traditional “Tornado Alley.”

There’s now a region known as “Dixie Alley” as more storms work through the South.

You should know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning, the safety precautions to take before, during, and after a tornado, and have a way to get alerts even if you’re in the wilderness.

A battery-powered NOAA weather radio is a must!

Safety Tips for Traveling to Mauldin

So... How Safe Is Mauldin Really?

Mauldin has ranked as one of the safest cities in South Carolina a handful of times over the past decade, but crime rates are moving in the wrong direction.

Even with that, the violent crime rate is 20% lower than the national average and 33% lower than the state average.

More than half of the violent crimes happen in private homes, and just 22% happen against strangers in 2022.

When we go back five years, the percentage rises to 28.

Bottom line – even for a safe South Carolina city, Mauldin is that much safer for visitors.

A new trend of car thefts has appeared in the past few years, with an average of 2-3 stolen a month.

That’s not an epidemic by any means, but it’s just moving in the wrong direction.

Theft rates are a pinch higher than the national average, just 8% above, but 45% of those are related to car break-ins or accessory thefts.

Lower your risk of this by locking your car door and removing personal items from inside.

It’s really that simple.

Mauldin police are also using new technology to keep the community safe for years to come, with new camera tasers, body cameras, and virtual reality headsets being supplied in 2024 and beyond.

Tools like that keep the community safe, but they also help recruit police officers of the future, ensuring a safe community for years to come.

How Does Mauldin Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Generally, visitors from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can enter the US for tourism or business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, while citizens of other countries typically need a visa. Your passport must be no more than six months from expiring.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar is accepted here. You should exchange currency at your home bank for the lowest fees, but any ATM should be able to accommodate your credit or debit card in the U.S.

Weather

Pack comfortable, casual clothing with various layering options for fall, winter and spring. Summers will be hot and oppressively humid. Bring bug spray since the mosquitoes here can be intense, and a few extra changes of clothing because you'll sweat a lot.

Airports

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is just 15 minutes from Maulden, offering an easy option nearby. If you're flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, plan for a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Be sure to check Atlanta's traffic reports, as it's one of the most contested cities in the U.S.

Travel Insurance

You'll want comprehensive travel insurance to get peace of mind. It covers any accident, delay, or health emergency for one price.

Mauldin Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

South Carolina - Safety by City