Myrtle Beach Downtown Revitalization Linked to Decline in Violent Crime

City leaders credit well-maintained storefronts and improved lighting for deterring criminal activity in the area.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken glass bottle on the sidewalk, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, investigative aesthetic of the crime scene.A harsh flash photograph of a shattered bottle on the street captures the gritty reality of urban crime, even as revitalization efforts aim to improve public safety.Myrtle Beach Today

According to Myrtle Beach city data, violent crime in the downtown area dropped from 18 incidents in 2016 to zero by 2023, with only two cases reported in each of the last two years. City leaders attribute this decline to a decade of downtown revitalization efforts, including new lighting and the arrival of more businesses, which they say have helped deter criminal activity.

Why it matters

The revitalization of downtown Myrtle Beach is seen as a success story, demonstrating how strategic urban planning and investment can positively impact public safety and the local community. However, some business owners in the area have mixed opinions on the extent to which crime has actually decreased.

The details

Myrtle Beach city data shows violent crime in the downtown area dropped from 18 incidents in 2016 to four by 2017, when the revitalization began. By 2023, the city reported zero violent crimes in the downtown area, with only two cases reported in each of the last two years. City leaders credit well-maintained storefronts and improved lighting for deterring crime, though some business owners say they have not seen a significant change.

  • In 2016, there were 18 violent crime incidents in downtown Myrtle Beach.
  • By 2017, when the revitalization project began, the number of violent crimes dropped to four.
  • By 2023, the city reported zero violent crimes in the downtown area.
  • In the last two years, there have been two violent crime cases reported each year.

The players

Myrtle Beach City Leaders

City officials who have overseen the downtown revitalization efforts and credit them for the decline in violent crime in the area.

Lacy Paulussen

Owner of House Parts, a business located in downtown Myrtle Beach for almost 20 years, who has noticed a difference since the revitalization project started.

Kinsey Muller

Owner of Winna's, a business in the downtown Myrtle Beach area, who believes crime has not been as big of a problem as some people suggest.

Lt. Thomas Vest

A member of the Myrtle Beach Police Department who says the department's goal is safety and that they will use any strategy, including revitalization partnerships and proactive policing, to improve safety.

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What they’re saying

“Since they put in new lighting in the back parking lot, it really brightens up the area. Since a lot of the businesses are coming now to 9th Ave. and Nance Plaza, and it's just a livelier environment that chases away the negative environment.”

— Lacy Paulussen, Owner, House Parts

“I don't think crime has been as big a problem as people on social media like to act like it is. Myrtle Beach is not a small town, and if you want to compare the numbers to a small town, then yeah, maybe crime looks like high, but the reality is we have an influx of visitors that skew the way those statistics look.”

— Kinsey Muller, Owner, Winna's

“The numbers speak for themselves, and I can tell you that the goal for the police department is one thing, and that's safety. Any strategy we can use to improve safety is what we're going to do. Through revitalization partnerships and proactive policing efforts is what we're going to focus on.”

— Lt. Thomas Vest, Myrtle Beach Police Department

What’s next

The Myrtle Beach Police Department plans to continue its proactive policing efforts and partnerships with the community to maintain the progress made in reducing violent crime in the downtown area.

The takeaway

The revitalization of downtown Myrtle Beach demonstrates how strategic urban planning and investment can positively impact public safety, though some business owners remain skeptical about the extent of the crime reduction. The city's success highlights the potential for similar initiatives to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of local communities.