Here’s What South Carolina’s Most Dangerous City Looks Like Now

[@NickJohnson]

Here's my entire South Carolina playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLq-_cmf3H6ypRVCj_FaXDrb1vjsw-Ro6v

[@summavillian]

please if you think darlington is bad go to North Charleston

[@torreyinnewyorkcity334]

My suggestion to you is to read Michelle Alexander‘s book. The new Jim Crow. I certainly don’t think the people that are dumping drugs into their neighborhoods black and brown or the people. Who’s bringing drugs into the United States they’re certainly not Black people. .

[@davidstaudohar6733]

@@summavillian well I lived in Ladson SC , back in the mid 1980 's The people is what I remember and the sea food , My friend lived in North Charleston after a being broke into a dozen times ,He spilt for Florida because the neighborhood got so bad,. I can't conceive it has gotten worse ♦️♦️♦️🙏✝️🙏‼️

[@bf1888]

@ Nick Johnson I've never seen or met someone charged with attempted murder be out in 6 months PLEASE get your facts straight son

[@davidstaudohar6733]

@@bf1888 that's 🐕‍🦺💩 Let's take a look at George Floyd , How many women he raped And beaten , He was picked up at at traffic stop for DWI ,a NCIC warrant arrest was on the screen 4 the 14 year old black teenager Him and his Buddies worked over , and left crippled 4 life , Let's look at OJ Simpson , Let's Look at Willy from Minneapolis Minnesota, murdered in Cold blood for wearing a red mega cap, ‼️

[@bloodspartan300]

What makes it worse is crime in small towns goes mostly unreported.

[@jacekmma]

Not here in Pa. Its covered heavily because shit like that never happened here b4

[@LIVERPOOLandFARBEYONDNEWS]

I thought it would be reported more cus everyone's in everyone's business

[@taylorwatson9951]

I live in Hartsville and have my entire life. I also work in Darlington. To most of us it's not anymore dangerous than the next small town we don't fear for our lives on a daily basis... it's just home... If you never knew what it was like to have better why would you strive for better? We lack education

[@Revolution2025-c8p]

I grew up in baltimore and feel way safer when I go to any of these towns in SC glad I moved from that shithole I love SC. It needs work no doubt thougb

[@thecontroversialtopics]

I agree

[@tyedagr8]

Love your comment!!! Livrd here all my life!!

[@user-2Hteyasizyc]

I have no issues with you but you have the internet right? you can become ANYTHING for free using youtube and some other sites. I think you might say "we lack motivation for education"

[@WalksWithDogs-go9yq]

That $700 home in S.C.,would get $600,000 in L.A., Diego easy..an the Rat Race that goes with it. Maybe hard to get at first, but be thankful for your simpler country life...that I grew up in an kinda miss now...

[@landlordman1744]

Love the guests you've been having on the channel lately! They all seem pretty knowledgeable and honest, that's what we need.

[@thistime1606]

Which states have highest poverty rate so people would avoid them?

[@803ep3]

He intentionally picked the worst part of town to do a video about...there are many very nice homes in Darlington...he just chose to pick the run down area

[@michaelmcmillan1425]

@@803ep3 Please tell me nice areas in Darlington. Since you seem to know the area so well.

[@erinriwen]

@@michaelmcmillan1425 I grew up there. I don't live there now but many friends still do. There are lots of nice areas. Go out Cashua Ferry Road or take any of the streets around Cashua Ferry. Go down Spring street down by Darlington High School. Go out around Mineral Springs Road. Seriously, is there a problem, yes. Are there bad areas, yes but they are skewing the numbers trying to compare Darlington to Chicago. In a town this small, small numbers of crime make it look bad. This problem is no worse here than other small towns who were left decimated by the loss of industry over time. I'm just smart enough to not go into rough areas.

[@michaelmcmillan1425]

@@erinriwen I totally agree! Nothing like a Chicago, or Houston. But people ALWAYS wanna HYPE it up! Like it's really that BAD! SMH.

[@maryuline2585]

I have a soft spot in my heart for the South because my father is from Mobile Alabama and I have traveled there a lot. I was just wondering why don't all these rich people you know Hollywood types and business tycoons put their money into revitalizing poor American towns. Gee wouldn't that be nice instead of spending billions of dollars on aid to foreign countries!

[@PlayerPunisher]

I feel like ur on the precipice of being an issue voter, and not one that identifies with how politicians make u feel

[@lindac6919]

Business tycoons will only put their money where they will make a profit. Hollywood types will help out where the people welcome and celebrate them.

[@jc1979af]

The problem is that concept would increase the prices of homes, further marginalizing the low income people. You need some type of industry to keep the town going. Prior to NAFTA many small towns were supported by a mill or factory. Once those went away, poverty increased

[@maryuline2585]

@@jc1979af hi yes that is very true

[@griswald7156]

Folkestone Kent is supported by a philanthropist, and it’s lovely.. but it was lovely anyway..

[@CapAnson12345]

What I've always found with a lot of these small poor towns.. is that nobody really seems to care.. Trash isn't picked up, lawns aren't maintained.. the buildings are old and run down. Who would want to sink money into a place like this? People aren't optimistic. Whenever I go to a town like this.. and really the South has probably a thousand of these sorts of places.. I just want to leave ASAP. They're just sad more than dangerous.

[@twinturbobmw535xi7]

You must have not seen shithole Philly , plenty of run down row homes which are even worse

[@AngryCatMan1982]

That's what you're greeted to when you visit Hartsville. Abandoned businesses and dilapidated homes. Stroll through downtown and you'll find homeless and meth heads walking the streets, but hurray we have a water park!

[@pistonpoppinmama]

im a truckdriver that’s driven through a lot of small towns & I’ve got a Birdseye view from thecab of the truck looking at these homes & their yards and I just don’t understand iwhy they don’t throw stuff away??? and why it just all gathers and builds up to a crazy amount.. ??? I “get it “about the old boats in the old RVs. Those can’t just be hauled out to the curb and and picked up by the garbage man ……but certainly somebody they knowhas a pick up truck that they borrow & throw that old fabric couch, broke furniture, etc etc etc away to a landfil that’s been sitting in the yard for 10 years? I don’t understand the mindset about garbage ( and littering too…. like wtf??? why are people just trashing our pretty little planet??? 🤷🏼‍♀️🌎

[@AngryCatMan1982]

@@pistonpoppinmama Fellow truck driver as well. Mainly a yard jockey, but I make local deliveries on occasion. Honestly, I feel most are apathetic when it comes to how they live. It's the "I don't give a crap so, why should anyone else?" type mentality. I feel most of that stems from a piss poor upbringing. It isn't until you drive through the more affluent areas, where you'll find the nicer homes & well kept yards. Of course just because a person is poor doesn't mean they have to live in filth. They choose to do so either for pity, or out of sheer laziness. We're just talking about what we see on the outside. Imagine how disgusting the insides must be. One way or another there's no shortage of it is there?

[@michaelmcmillan1425]

@@AngryCatMan1982 Right! They're not really dangerous at all! Just a lot of Bored people with lack of opportunities.

[@stephanies3557]

I have lived in Dovesville, Darlington county with my family for 15 years now, I have never been scared for my safety or my family's safety. It was worse in Florida where we moved from. If you mind your business and idk lock your doors and bring your stuff in with you, you will be just fine. Common sense to me.

[@oldcoot6714]

I live in Florence (pop 39000) and am totally surprised that Darlington has a higher crime rate. But when you have a small population (6500) then even a few crimes will bump your numbers up.

[@dashoncarolina4498]

Have you been watching the news lately? I live in Darlington.. shit there was a shootout last night up the street from my home. Yes Darlington is very wild and it's not no people from big cities moving here causing crime . It's the Locals!! Teenagers to be exact. It's really a problem

[@tezw6707]

Your absolutely right. The crime rate he is speaking of is based on the size of the population. Do you really believe Darlington has more crime than Charleston, Columbia or Greenville? Definitely not more than Chicago. Look up the numbers not the crime rate.

[@cificare2184]

Yeah, but sometimes it just seems like we are living in Dodge City. It used to be North Florence but seems to have moved to West Florence now. Just recently we had several shootings which left people dead including a child and a teenager. My ex husband's nephew is serving life for a shooting when he was about 18 years old.

[@Blake-ld7mx]

What poeple fail to admit is...of u live a life of crime it comes back at you. They won't say how it's drug related issues between drug related people. If your not about that life....no drug dealer or gang affiliated person has any quarrel with you...it's literal common sense and street smarts 🤣. Don't be where u shouldn't be don't do what u shouldn't do. Other than that Darlington is just a country as place to do country as sht and just chill

[@tpipandpop4242]

@@tezw6707 crime rate is always based off size of population

[@nano-ep9ih]

If you think this is "dangerous" and "poor af", be glad you've never experienced an actual poverty that exists outside of US. You can still make fix it all

[@gregh4284]

Good excuse.

[@SJ-ni6iy]

I’m from West Virginia, the 4th poorest state. We have real poverty here, that’s much worse than what’s being shown. West Virginia is usually #1 in drug overdoses and we usually have a couple of cities ranked at the top for obesity.

[@Nothing-fp7jg]

This is an amazing video. It was very informative and very eye opening. It was great to have an unbiased talk about the issues.

[@susanhawk8730]

Small town corruption includes those in law enforcement.

[@markc4921]

Towns like this exist everywhere in the US. When the factory and mills left it devastated the community. This is a prime example of keeping the factories here instead of overseas. We need to keep, "Made in the USA". You do the crime you need to go to jail period.

[@aerrae5608]

We do need to stop CEOs from sending jobs overseas to pocket more cash, that IS the real reason it's happening... but also, you can't just sit around waiting for another job like your old one. Wtf are these people doing with their lives that they lost one job and have then just given up? Subsisting on welfare and letting their life rot around them. Everyone has other options... sometimes the work and sacrifice to make them happen is deeply unpleasant but it's generally worth it once you're in a better situation.

[@dominicfucinari1942]

@@aerrae5608 A lot of people living at the beginning of the Motown car industry's supply chain, when it still existed, only had one specific skill, sometimes something as primitive as drilling a specific part to a specific place on a car's assembly line. It'll take a *lot* of education and job training to get many United Staters back on their feet.

[@stevenweiss2148]

Mark..they should have thought about 'keep inAmerica' 60 years ago.

[@fredgervinm.p.3315]

Watched manufacturing leave NC from Raleigh to High Point... And it ain't coming back.

[@markc4921]

@@fredgervinm.p.3315 sad very sad

[@barbarahaynes4129]

As a resident of Darlington I wish you would have shown the WHOLE town. You only drove the same streets and neighborhoods, only showing part of the town..shame on you! The interview about why crime is the way it is was very good…but show the COMPLETE town!

[@Rockin4D]

Small towns in the south that have a lot of cops end up with very abusive ones who pull Everyone over to give fines just because ‘money’

[@MusicFan.....]

My Family and I just took a trip to Darlington&Florence 3 weeks ago to see some family and i loved it, i never felt unsafe,feared for my life or felt intimidated,really nice people too but i guess it depends on which part you go to.

[@puertoricanpapi2011]

I just came back from vacation and stood one night in Florence, its crummy as well. The Bucc’ees gas station was some shit I never seen 😂

[@Live2Laugh27]

@@puertoricanpapi2011 look at the Obama store in Columbia Sc.. talk about ghetto

[@chrisjay2901]

Stay a lil while longer you a change your mind...I'm sure....I'm from Hartsville and the entire area is bad....Hartsville Darlington timmionsville bennettsville are all high in crime ..murders daily shootings in these areas... Don't believe me just type in shootings in which ever city in the area and u will see all the daily shootings......

[@jrlove1815]

Crime follows the people. If you don't stop it in the city, it follows you to a small town.

[@thistime1606]

Which states have highest poverty rate ? So people can avoid it?

[@grl9917]

@@thistime1606 mostly southern states

[@brianbeecher3084]

Like the Chicago gangs setting up shop in Danville, roughly 150 miles to the south.

[@briankinsey3339]

A very important point to keep in mind about crime statistics and small towns. It's one thing to say that the murder rate per capita in a place like Darlington is higher than Chicago's, but it's another to look at the actual numbers. I didn't look in any depth, but 5 minutes with Google shows that the murder rate in Darlington is 0.07 per 1,000 residents (in whatever period they were talking about). Okay, statistically, that's high, but if a town has only 23,496 residents (number from the same source, not double-checked), what that actually means is 1.64 murders per year. So probably 2 people murdered in an average year. One single domestic incident gone bad can account for that all by itself, without saying anything about every other household in town. Not saying Darlington is safe, or doesn't have a crime problem. But simply relying on mass statistics gives a woefully misguided perspective. I'd still rather walk the streets there than in many parts of Chicago or St Louis. Edit to note I posted just before the 16-17 minute mark where he talked about the same thing - rates vs numbers.

[@aidagonzalez6737]

Very well said!!

[@aidagonzalez6737]

So, if that case, he overreacted?

[@brittaolson6550]

Good point! When you get into small numbers, sometimes statistics are meaningless.

[@aidagonzalez6737]

When they are running for office. they go to these places to talk.b.s.once they get there. they turn the page. blank it sucks.

[@chrisjay2901]

That's always the case . It always go by number of population...so imagine if there population was the size of Chicago it's saying that it could potentially be more dangerous if everything where the same....and I can attest there are way more than one murder happens in Darlington...maybe a few years ago it probably was like 3 or 4...but here recently the past three years they been in double digits each year....I know bc I m from nearby and watch the news daily....although I don't think it's worse than Hartsville Florence Dillion bennettsville but it's certainly pretty bad there to be so small

[@KhassiaK]

@Nick Johnson , the one thing I didn't hear factored into why crime is increasing in small town is because of gentrification within bigger cities. Bigger cities have a tendency to gentrify 'problem areas' which then pushes those populations further out where it's more affordable. They often do this by declaring the space unsafe because of environmental hazards or they work with the state on projects that would go through the area and therefore permit them to use eminent domain to seize it. After they run off the local populations and tear down the existing housing, it's funny how they can find a way to put up new housing and businesses safely and out of the way of any state projects! Personally, I think this is inhumane and oppression of the poor. We must learn how to extract the criminal element without throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

[@jonbradford441]

Your point does not apply to Darlington. There is no gentrification within 60 miles of Darlington. Nobody got pushed out to this town.

[@tatsuhirosato8646]

Section 8 and the racial demographics of the town's population tells a big tale.

[@michaelmcmillan1425]

@@tatsuhirosato8646 They'll NEVER change. Keep Blacks Poor, and Apathetic, and we'll continue to run the state! Not complicated at ALL! SMH.

[@W81Researcher]

@@michaelmcmillan1425 How are blacks not going to be poor? You don't make money overnight. And there's a saying if you don't use it you lose it.

[@lashellc0517]

You are absolutely right , gentrification will be their too , the State has so much potential to become great. It's not all bad it's al in perception

[@rongreen8485]

You have to get people involved in fighting crime. Neighborhood watch group's, local law enforcement, Federal help, call your mayor, council members, legislators, get out and make it miserable to be a criminal.

[@bobbybooker2123]

It's already miserable to be a criminal. Bring them good paying jobs and affordable housing.

[@kristinab1078]

@@bobbybooker2123 In the video, he stated that many homes are selling for under 20K, so affordability doesn't seem to be the issue.

[@bobbybooker2123]

@@kristinab1078 Good point. But most of those houses are barely livable and he didn't mention how much work and what wages are available in the area. There is also the cost of living to consider. Ohio has lots of affordable housing but few jobs so many people can only live there if they don't need to work.

[@dubrob210]

Snitches get stitches

[@briweeks71]

I've lived in Darlington, near the speedway. It was a fine place for me to live, quiet and peaceful. Never heard of any crime in my neighborhood. But that was 10 years ago. Maybe things have changed since then.

[@NickJohnson]

They have

[@michaelmcmillan1425]

@@NickJohnson I don't think you grew up here. Not BAD at all there, if you keep to yourself!!! Just a lack of opportunities!!! It's not that Deep.

[@harmgregory4560]

since then Trump's been in the White House. Pretty good indication of which way the whole country's gone, alas.

[@michaelmcmillan1425]

@@harmgregory4560 I will say this Sir. Not the Biggest Fan of Trump. But I have to admit, Gas prices, and Inflation weren't as BAD when Trump was in office. FACTS!

[@SeriouslyThinking]

@@michaelmcmillan1425 gas prices are up because the oil companies want them up. The oil companies can easily produce more oil but they know folks like yourself will blame whoever is in office

[@erichighsmith7299]

Yup, I’m an OTR truck driver based out of Greenville, SC. And I’ve driven through all of these small towns in SC. I enjoy seeing these small towns that I would never have seen before.

[@jerrywilson4053]

🤙

[@Winterascent]

How long does the United States have left? I mean, if historians in 500+ years won't look back and say that 2001 or 2008 was the end of the United States. It may not seem like we have fallen to us, but 476 is a completely arbitrary year used to mark the end of the Roman Empire, but in the East someone in Constantinople would have identified as Roman 1000 years later. Clearly, the US's best days are behind us, and the nation is failing.

[@stephenlyon1358]

Scotland gets independence, Scotland constructs border wall with England, Scotland repatriates ancestral people home. Welcome home.

[@Winterascent]

@@dahe8883 NEVER Forget May 29, 2020 and the Summer of 2020 Insurrection. NEVER Forget the assassination attempt of Supreme Court Justices and the denial of additional security by the Speaker of the House. Investigate May 29, 2020!!

[@chriswhite2151]

Sure feels that way.

[@chriswhite2151]

@@dahe8883 congratulations, you are follwing the approved narrative. Oh wait I got it, that insurrection was Putins fault! The so called insurrection was the result of millions of us out here who are frustrated and angry about being gaslighted constantly and made out to be the problem. It should be happening every day all over the country, like the destruction that occurred in 2020. I have a feeling that is coming, but the government won't be afraid to use the military to stop it this time because it is their enemy, not their friends.

[@DoiInthanon1897]

Not much longer, I’m afraid. Possibly 50 years, if that.

[@jillmorton3096]

Nick you're the best of the best. Love that you are interviewing people too. Keep up the good work😊💕

[@tommays56]

I went to Darlington Dragway For the NPK event in 2021 on a HOT DAY and made the mistake of stopping for water on the main road to 95 on the way home and got aggressively panhandled inside the gas station I would definitely not stop again in the evening

[@carljr3674]

Rhode Island , Montana @@ronanbrodrick9168

[@thistime1606]

@@carljr3674 so top ten poorest states are Republican or democratic ?

[@michaelmcmillan1425]

@@thistime1606 Definitely Republican and Southern States. (Even though BOTH parties are Full of S@@t) Just look at Gas prices with our current President in office. It is what it is.

[@manfredmann2766]

Sounds like Phoenix or Tucson

[@tommays56]

@@manfredmann2766 The rural parts of North and South Carolina our like a giant rundown trailer with no possibility of getting better if you don’t leave

[@ironnerd8336]

Spot on! Speaking of policing ourselves, how many stop signs did you roll through? Keep up the good work.

[@331susan]

He never stops!!!

[@nateh2665]

whenever im feeling down or depressed i just turn on videos of ghettos and slums..makes me appreciate the life that i have lol

[@Ben-jq5oo]

Me too! 🇦🇺🏳️‍🌈

[@MichaeldeLancellotti]

This is the first time I've watched one of your videos. I enjoyed it. You seem to be a very positive person. I've got more of your videos saved. Can't wait to watch them. Thanks!

[@donaldsawyer2618]

Thank You for this channel Nick. You really try to give an honest look at our country and have people ask questions. Economics plays a large issue. There is No money in this town. People turn to crime when they don’t have skills

[@aidagonzalez6737]

That no excuse!! Don't be lazy, educated yourself and don't depends on someone else check.

[@donaldsawyer2618]

@@aidagonzalez6737 So True but just facts. Most people will do what they been doing and won’t change. And our society tells us that “things” make you someone

[@kenarmstrong128]

Very informative. Please continue to share this information. Many need EXPOSURE to this point of view.

[@bobyhic]

You go 20 miles out of Charleston and your in a whole different world.

[@W81Researcher]

You mean North Charleston? Or the rest of SC?

[@josephpegram1]

It's a money thing. These small towns are in a depression. No jobs, no good counseling.

[@bilalmccullars6111]

Bingo! It's very telling how an former officer of the law can wax poetically about the need for more policing and lack of accountability by the people, but give very little if any thoughts on the correlation between the lack of jobs and crime.🙄

[@stephenlyon1358]

@@bilalmccullars6111 people can work from home. If you have a landline telephone, you can work. Easy to find excuses of you look for them.

[@MoeinthePhilippines]

@@stephenlyon1358 Very few companies have work from home jobs. Also, since they're so poor, what makes you think they have the technology to do the job? High-speed internet is required for those jobs, which isn't cheap. On the cheaper end, I pay $175 a month. Lastly, who the heck uses personal landlines in 2022?

[@stephenlyon1358]

@@MoeinthePhilippines easy to find excuses. A secons hand computer and a landline and you can so most thing.s.

[@Onirot69]

Read “bowling alone” by Robert Putnam. It really has a lot to say on societal changes since about 1950. Your conversation about halfway through the vid on why small towns don’t police themselves is part of a wider loss of social capital. Small towns actually aren’t “closely knit” anymore because people aren’t part of any organizations outside work. They don’t know anyone from church or the bowling league or the Girl Scouts or the city council. Per capita participation in all these is going down drastically and this book discusses why.

[@benput91094]

Hey that's my family

[@Onirot69]

@@benput91094 the author is related to you?

[@benput91094]

@@Onirot69 yea from New York. My dad moved to n.c.

[@benput91094]

My grandparents had a bridge club at there house back when I was born in 94 in n.c.

[@TheWorldWithin27]

“Dreamland” by Sam Quinones is also a good read about opiates and addiction that focuses on small towns and suburbs. Once you look into the communities that were close knit and how they formed. It really shows how these small towns are easily turned into slums. I moved to a metro area and i noticed how gradual a place becomes a ghetto as compared to small town America, it happens in an instant it seems.

[@aeerjordan4994]

The reason crime has increased in rural areas is because inner cities are becoming more expensive. gentrification drives the low income minorities into more affordable living in rural areas.it's not because of policing in the inner cities! Remember there was heavy crime in the inner cities with a huge police presence. High living cost dont stop crime in some areas, but it definitely slows it down.

[@jaymac4448]

Ummmmm. These small towns in South Carolina have extremely low amounts of minorities in them. Yet they are still gutter areas. Why's that. Guess the minorities from the urban areas moved, then employeed all the non minorities to do the crimes for them.

[@aeerjordan4994]

@@jaymac4448 not true! there are alot of minorities in those small town ..i know because i live in SC. There's alot more blacks in the smaller towns and many whites are moving in the downtown areas....facts!

[@jaymac4448]

I think you're misunderstanding what a am small town is vs a suburb.

[@aeerjordan4994]

Crime has risen In both. but what ever your trying to prove I'll take your word for it

[@codereddefense]

Great video with lots of interesting information.

[@cbbcbb6803]

When the cops say "tell me exactly what it is you want from us", who are they putting this question to? I have *never* had a cop ask me that question! "At the community level". Ok, which community? And who in that community? What is "the community" anyway? "Law enforcement they want". Who is "they"? This stuff is not simple. I do not know for sure, but I think most people don't have any knowledge or awareness of law enforcement until they have an encounter, usually unpleasant, with it. Even if it is nothing more than a parking or speeding ticket. Unfortunately, proactive policing is nothing more than profiling. None of this is new. A century ago, we had bootleggers and all the violence associated with that. Legalized alcohol sales put an end to most of that. Of course, there are other issues associated with alcohol sales. Hint, hint, hint. Also, most indigenous people lived in small groups and the illegal European settlers took advantage of them. People will always take advantage of the weak.

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

Theres the "Mill Hill" in every SC town. The place where families thrived in the 50s and 60s, but closures of factories caused the downward spiral of these communities. Where I live in SC, there's a HUGE mill hill area where every single house is run down, trash EVERYWHERE, piled up even though they get trash pick up. That is if they've paid their water bill. Many homes with out electricity and water. Why? because nearly everyone living there is a drug addict.

[@NickJohnson]

What is the closest one to you?

[@GalacticTater]

Yep, we have a mill hill in Oconee County SC for sure

[@brady874]

​@@GalacticTater Deep Seneca lol

[@evilervcowart6234]

There's an area in Greenville (or was 16 years ago when I lived there for a minute) called Po' Mill (short for Poor Mill?). It had the ruins of an old factory surrounded by dilapidated houses that were generally in moderate to severe disrepair. Po' Mill was (perhaps still is) populated extensively by addicts, though there were a few sober folks that live there, too, who had typically been there since Po' Mill's boom days. A buddy's mother-in-law lived there in one of the few maintained homes; she had moved there back in the 1940's or 50's after getting married. So by the time the factory went down the drain she had already retired and thus had a guaranteed income. She loved her home and simply stayed as the community around her crumbled. I visited Po' Mill several times...with my pal and his family to visit the aforementioned resident, and with friends to explore and take some photographs of the old factory ruins. Personally, I never felt unsafe there...not, as in, physically unsafe...people trying to panhandle was honestly the worst I expected to possibly be a problem but never observed any such behavior. Mostly never even saw any of the residents other than my friend's mother-in-law...neither outside nor through any windows as the vast majority of the run down houses had their windows blacked out or covered with thick curtains or closed blinds.

[@N4sir98]

Thank you Nick for sharing this perspective.

[@wandaking2689]

My best friend lives in Darlington. You didn’t show the beautiful historical district of Darlington!! I find your video is very skewed and you presented this small town very negatively. There are lots of fine people who live here!

[@mmr0221]

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Darlington, SC are Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (55.3%),

[@tiffanyhoward9935]

@@mmr0221 You said 5 but listed one ethnic group.

[@mmr0221]

@@tiffanyhoward9935 that’s the biggest one.

[@teresaputnam8204]

I agree that this video only showed the worst parts of the town over and over.. Next time how about showing the historical homes and the better part of town. You know, we do have a Country Club.

[@waynegolston712]

Gentrification tactics

[@angyllhazel]

as a SC resident .. this man NEVER talk about the worst areas .. these aren’t it

[@dave3657]

Surprised the rural towns are so bad. I worked with somebody who lived miles from town and he always said “Not worried about criminals here, I have a shotgun, a shovel, and acres of land to bury the bodies.”

[@lanaj1107]

Yeah, and they probably won't be missed.

[@theworldisavampire3346]

I just moved from New York to Sputh Carolina and we were super nervous regarding this move from long Island NY to rural SC. we wound up in Rock Hill which is starting to boom due to its proximity to Charlotte NC, and we are 2 miles from Lake Wylie. we lucked out. but I was SHOCKED at how run down so many towns are down here.

[@gotrdid09]

I moved out of rock hill a few years ago cause of everyone moving there. I was born and raised there and it was such a nice lovely city in the 90s. slow quite life. Now its just like the charlotte hustle and bustle. couldn't take it anymore. way too many people now a days and it just keeps getting worse and worse.

[@terrisatterfield6765]

So many Yankees moving south, destroying our towns. I'm sure you are lovely people but many that move here bring their liberal destructive politics.

[@kingfree3396]

When do we start to blame the system we've built and not the people who operate in the system

[@therealericjackdaniels]

Bingo. It’s pretty dirty from the top down. Can’t expect the lowest to be better than the highest. This country has lost a lot of real inspiration and now have mostly artificial idols which to look up to but they too are corrupt or bought in some way or another. Best to you. God save us.

[@timothypaschall7322]

Because it’s the people who operate the system who’ve corrupted it. And they need to be held accountable. There’s no coincidence that the most liberal cities are the most violent. And incidentally run by democrats.

[@ric9759]

Nice job,,, Awesome guest. Good to hear some intelligent discussion on the subject...

[@georgehunt6566]

I was a little surprised to find out how poverty stricken SC is, I was born and raised in the upstate area and it’s not near as bad (Greenville area)

[@michaelmcmillan1425]

Greenville, and Charleston aren't as BAD! EVERYWHERE else??? And you're probably a Baby Boomer. (In your 50's, or 60's maybe 70's) ANYTHING under the age of 50 here, and you're SCREWED!!!

[@jgrysiak6566]

Republicans keeping the south poor again!

[@jgrysiak6566]

A lot of SC seems really poor & impoverished! Why aren't their republican legislatures trying to get more money for them?

[@aldakendall4921]

Ya'll have not been to any place rural or not the major city. This is how these areas have been all over the us since the 80's. Alot of these places have lost their major employers cause they didn't want to pay or they went out of business. Farmers have been getting screwed.

[@michaelmcmillan1425]

@@aldakendall4921 The Farming Business is DEAD Bro! Not a Farmer, but I know a few, and they're getting SCREWED!!! So I feel your Pain Bro! Stay Strong!!!

[@TheRealQuartKnee]

This was super insightful!! Thank you :) just subbed!

[@danjohnson887]

Great upload Nick! This information is very valuable and not being reported at all! People need to wake up and protect their small towns! Be alert and join the town councils and be part of the change and PROTECT your areas! I also thought it was refreshing to hear such a qualified expert state clearly the evidence for the feel good measures for fighting crime just is not there. What evidence is there is ENFORCING THE LAW. It's just that simple. I had my eyes opened when we had a robbery and law enforcement basically ignored the crime. I thought to myself- eventually someone is going to get very hurt or killed by this innocent thief who the cops ignored. It is about enforcing the law, period!

[@AnvilArtistry]

The criminal will be hurt or killed by a victim and the victim will tried to the extent of the law. This is the problem.

[@bestbargainfashion5575]

This was illuminating on several levels; thanks Nick!

[@brianbeecher3084]

For a time I lived in central New Jersey near Plainfield and New Brunswick. Small cities with all the big city problems.

[@THORR-mh9px]

Thanks Nick...I been watching you for years...

[@diannebrown4042]

My mama was born in Darlington County. Born in 1929 she was very poor but my grandmama managed to raise 8 children. Her husband died when my mama was born. It was so hard. All of them grew up to be good people. They lived in the country and raised their own food. She was the only one who graduated from high school. She left there and worked in Charleston South Carolina and meet my Daddy. The problem there and all around is drugs. It's everywhere.The police aren't allowed to do anything . My sister lives in Hartsville near there. They have drive by shootings in her neighborhood constantly. This current admistration has created alot of this because their is no punishment for their crimes. They need to be arrested and removed themselves. I will say there is a good restaurant near the Darlington Race track. Pray for our officers. My son was a police officer. I don't recommend anybody taking the abuse they get. Thank God he is medically retired. He had been shot at several times. Thank you for your speaker. Thank you.

[@IndianaCrane]

It’s either the coast or the mountains-there’s just not a lot between….great vid Nick!

[@nfsfreakism]

As a native SC guy, its a stagnant local govt that doesn't give a damn. There's no program for spurring businesses into growth, no affordable housing, and transit that would support smart land usage. We turn to violence because of isolation and a lack of community

[@davidlafleche1142]

No, it's because of sin.

[@terranceaddison4599]

I've seen compliciness. Seem like the parents are just bad as the kids...or vice versa

[@willasage23240]

I appreciate all the hard work that you put into these videos!

[@dougl945]

Whenever I consider buying a home, I always check the demographics.

[@marksauck8481]

And also democrats. Too many and it’s trouble for sure.

[@xxmyspac]

thanks you guys so much for this info because i used to use truly to help me find a decent place and the first thing i always use on there web site was the crime stats and all the sudden they took it down like they don't care bout peoples safety only to sell you a house no matter how dangerous the area might be so with you guys info would help soooo much and thank you

[@shenaruiz9080]

You should add Portsmouth, VA next. They have a huge crime problem. 12 shootings in 7 days wow!

[@NHCal-wk4kq]

Really enjoy your videos!

[@jkuoverland8507]

I live in Darlington, and as a Deputy(past) and like any low income area there are places that can be dicey, but if you know your surroundings you will be okay. With that said, I carry in my yard while mowing my grass.

[@chrisjay2901]

Lol..

[@WorkingProgress17]

This is so true about small towns. We considered moving eventually to one of the smaller towns nearby until I looked at the crime maps and it's almost worse in the small towns.

[@justintime753]

My town in florida put out 2 police units a night and the dispatcher at the station and that was it. I loved it and I do miss Valparaiso Florida

[@grl9917]

What about Florida Man, Did he eat the zombies?

[@b3lkin1]

Your videos just make me think if I'm in the right country.

[@InterstateRaziTV]

You should go to Anniston, Alabama next. That place is really dangerous and bad!

[@knightclassic1]

Go to Muskegon and Benton Harbor, Michigan.

[@TheButterflyEffectWhatIf]

I love how stop signs are only a suggestion for you.

[@matttravers5764]

Hah! It's off topic but I noticed that too😂

[@terranceaddison4599]

As long as the sheriff ain't close by...

[@InterstateRaziTV]

People in Darlington Country know for what it really is. Crummy! Great Video Nick!

[@zizibressa4251]

I never could imagined a city like that size could be dangerous like that. Good to know

[@jgrysiak6566]

It's not very friendly either!

[@Revolution2025-c8p]

@@jgrysiak6566 it's much more friendly then where I grew up in baltimore

[@x-tremevidpro]

Had plans to move there 😯! I do want to visit my daughter. You certainly opened my eyes with more crime than Chicago. Definitely sheds some light. Thanks for sharing!

[@chrisjay2901]

That was for Darlington county not just Darlington it was the county as a whole...which combine Darlington Hartsville and timmionsville in 2021

[@F_C...]

I noticed the common trend with these dangerous neighborhoods is they tend to be majority black population whether it's a big city or a rural small town. One idea for a video on the safest black areas with the best schools, as im sure there are well-to-do blacks out there looking safe area with similar people.

[@chriswhite2151]

You weren't supposed to notice that.

[@Jack-th9zg]

Thats because ol' Nick doesn't drive around trailer parks. You know. Where the meth heads hang out.

[@jetfajita]

Lmfao that trump town is not black you just made that up you’re gross 🤢

[@williambirksiii9455]

Is the color of people that live there the only common denominator you can see or did you just stop at that to confirm your own biases. These areas tend to *also* be very poor which is much more of a driver for crime than the color of one's skin. Black folks more often come from rougher backgrounds than other people and that creates trends. Pretty messed up to identify bad areas by skin color when there are a number of other factors that are more relevent.

[@realistinnit8881]

@@chriswhite2151 nothing wrong about pointing that out, it’s all about intention though. This seems to be the trend right? But is that causation? Nope. It would be better to take the step further snd ask why is this trend like that and what historical factors play into creating this modern outcome.

[@wolvesetc]

Nice direction your show is taking. Well done

[@rooskiebella]

This is bullshit. I grew up in Darlington and it was a great place. No doubt it’s declined like most small, rural southern towns, but you completely neglected to show any of the redeeming areas. You’re commentary on the struggles of police is valid, but spare me the melodrama and judgement related to the overall safety.

[@sky9159]

I love your videos Nick, it kinda has a pov journalism to it. I really enjoy the way you put your videos together. Keep making more. Also have you made any videos about cites in New England?

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

Crime is rampant nowadays everywhere

[@bscottb8]

No, only where losers outnumber the employed.

[@kcp622]

Ha ha, I love watching a video on Darlington SC and you were able to get a crack in on my hometown of Niagara Falls. Nice! Well deserved. Was that a canning jar you were drinking from?

[@PomegranateChocolate]

This place is paradise compared to India. The road looks clean and no human poop. I am sure the air is fresh too and not reeked of urine and poop.

[@marks7311]

That guy had no idea what to do with your off handed comments. Had me cracking up.

[@JOHNSMITH-ym2dk]

In my town the prisons up here are fucking up our towns because the prisoners and their families are moving from the inner city’s and bringing the crime with them.

[@aidagonzalez6737]

Love ur video!

[@Skylarking00]

I spent a week in Iceland last Summer. The whole country (population about 300,000) averages about 1-2 murders a year. The majority of cops don’t carry firearms. Yet, the funny thing is, it’s a country of guns. Not AR-15s mind you but guns are most certainly not outlawed. What’s the difference then. The economy for one. (They also don’t fetishize guns like we do). There’s very little poverty in Iceland, certainly not as we know it here in the US. Didn’t see one homeless person. Taxes are high but it gets you full medical and other safety net features. Few complain about it. Political corruption is at a minimum. Different groups work together for the benefit of all. At least most try to. Fellow citizens aren’t seen as the “enemy.” I’m not saying it’s perfect there but facts are facts.

[@rw4022]

The biggest thing that you missed is the percentage of blacks in Iceland…. It’s 1 % and that is why it’s peaceful.

[@Lifetime3211]

@@rw4022 Adolf Hitler is one of the worst people in history, pretty sure he's white. Let's stop playing identity politics and start talking about how poverty and drugs are the cause of crime.

[@mariaweldzius9937]

Thank you for your advise 🙏.

[@DannyWalker247]

Hey Nick. Where do you live? I guess it is a pretty nice neighborhood with over 600k subscribers. I hope the people from Darlington don't find you for all that dissing you did on them.

[@Bosnian-Bekrija]

At the foothills of Appalachian plain, down through the hoods to the crime of Myrtle Beach.

[@martiwaterman1437]

From sea to shining sea...

[@drivecfl]

Wow! I am used to being in a growing metro area with lots of newer construction. This looks like it's the 80s again. And sadly there are many towns like this across America. It can be a cute little town with some cleaning up. Unfortunately we send money to places outside of the country and not rebuild roads and infrastructure like many Presidents have promised. Also local politicians don't seem too motivated to do much in their own jurisdictions. Whether that's roadblocks from Fed Govt or whatever, it's a we'll do this another time. Another time is now years of neglect. This is just about infrastructure and what these towns look like, there are many other issues as well as we all know with crime as mentioned. We get it though, we still live in the best country in the world.

[@jgrysiak6566]

Looks like the town is past its hey day!

[@peterhamlinhamlin8908]

Small town rural America has no jobs,industry,infrastructure......no farms,no small town commerce.

[@peterhamlinhamlin8908]

Very much past whatever business it once had.

[@matthiassventoest6800]

buddy of mine is an officer in the okc metro area, with about 10 years experience. he told me, if he went to the closest small town outside of the metro area, and became the chief of police, with equivalent experience, he would take a 40% pay cut minimum.., that’s another reason they can’t get LEO’s. the farther away you get from the 2/3 cities oklahoma has (if you count Enid), the lower the pay. A ton of oklahoma is rural, and or small town.., so there is that.

[@adriangilmore8647]

Liked the guest. If law enforcement focused on what your guest was talking about i think it would be better in small towns and big cities. Take down criminals but recognize those in your community that are truly criminals and not think everyone living there are the same as the criminals.

[@THEGIGLITE]

I appreciate the style of videos that you do Nick.. its like an advanced geography class.. and I’m a Bells Elementary School 5th Grade Geography Bee Runner Up

[@NickJohnson]

CONGRATS!

[@THEGIGLITE]

@@NickJohnson lol thanks.. should have said “was a runner up” it was 20 yrs ago..😂😂

[@shiney5496]

In all fairness, you didn't show any of the more charming parts of Darlington - you only showed the worst areas. I have no issues with calling out the faults of our small town, and there are many, but at least be fair and show that it isn't all bad. There isn't much to do there, to be honest, as you have to go to Florence to shop. And not having activities locally does lead to boredom, which is why many teens get into trouble. Darlington could learn from that. Downtown needs to have a revitalization effort again. That being said, there are some beautiful homes in the historic district, there are nice subdivisions, and some really cool history. Crime is more visible in a small town, and when you show nothing but the run-down places, it adds to misconceptions of small towns in general. Definitely people need to take more pride in their surroundings - no matter the income, everyone can throw trash in a can instead of in the yard or on the road. My family grew up poor, but we were always clean and took pride in what we had. We weren't victims of our circumstances; we made the best of them.

[@virgobro2025]

Not everyone can live in the best places of each city. Maybe try improving the entire town instead of creating a divide and a place to neglect.

[@JimmyMon666]

I don't even know where Darlington is. LOL. Though having lived in the South in my time in the Navy, I know about the Nascar track. Pretty much mandatory you will have seen a Nascar race if you've lived in the area. I lived in Goose Creek, SC for 9 months when I was in the Navy. That was a decent little town.

[@pamelarobinson5907]

@ Jimmy M . Darrington is off 95, near Florence, SC and South of the Border.

[@Bluescilla]

Thank God me and my friends are moving to Europe

[@ldarblackpill4977]

Lots of problems over there too same bad inflation

[@Mr_3T]

You should see Williamsburg County in South Carolina. Kingstree, Hemingway, Salters, Lane, Trio and Greeleyville is worse than this..Not crime wise but poverty stricken..

[@chrisjay2901]

Most definitely I went down to Greelieville and kingstree and man o man it's another type of world in those areas as far as poverty.....crime not as bad as Darlington counties cities but they ain't nothing to sneeze at I tell u that..

[@peterbedford2610]

You cant fix stuff when it breaks. Thats why they call it being broke

[@barbarafogle3541]

Go look at their sheriffs department. Then look at the houses that the lawyers and judges live. Ask them where they got all that money.

[@ShaqElliot]

I'm all for accountability folks, but trying to portray Darlington, South Carolina as a liberal bastion of protest and police hatred is laughable.

[@djack915]

Yup , agreed

[@ShaqElliot]

@@djack915 Beware of the propaganda from the lefties and the righties guys.

[@djack915]

@@ShaqElliot I've been to that town when I lived In SC soooooo

[@tremainewindham803]

Im from Florence SC and stay on the outskirts...Glad you put video together and the facts are nowhere close to fiction. Wouldn't you think with Nascar the town would have at least more to offer than just Dixie cups and paper plates. Im not surprised because they cover it up with using the race track as a CASH COW!!!

[@1980msamERICA]

I have to agree. Lived in Darlington.I always said it's a shame how they can bank every year on this race track but can't upgrade this town bringing more job opportunities to this part of hwy 52. it has it's small pockets of nice neighborhoods but majority is dry and ran down. I pray one day that area will get it do. 🤷🏾‍♀️🙏🏾

[@nc4tn]

Do a root cause analysis. No good jobs anymore. Most of the homes in the video were at one time nice middle class homes. Darlington was a tobacco/cotton mill town. While you’d never get rich working there, it paid the bills.

[@NickJohnson]

Uh I said all that

[@mattjustin3596]

Best video yet

[@Zed1776]

Waynesville NC backed off the criminals and word got out and even more criminals showed up. Same with the homeless, housing without drug testing and the drug addicts started showing up.

[@255-southcarolina8]

Enjoyed your video keep up the good work get a chance come on down to Bamberg South Carolina tell me what you think honest opinion

[@cherrymccall4806]

So, stay in your own state. It's not just SC where crime is bad. It's in all states.

[@lashellc0517]

Tell em 👏 again it's everywhere.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Im in the UK, and all these roads with houses that are semi run down etc, there is a lot of space and land with them. Lots of grass and trees, these detached bungalows in a setting like that in this country would cost a LOT of money. This does not look rough in the same way a road filled with tenement blocks, cheapo stores, litter and homeless people hanging about would look. Wish we had bungalows this cheap over here with that much open space.

[@gailcarey3597]

Our small towns would still be prospering if our textile businesses didn’t move overseas. Poverty doesn’t mean crime is inevitable. That’s insulting. These towns really aren’t that bad in comparison. At least we know each other. There isn’t a town, large or small, anywhere in the world that is without crime and poverty.

[@Puddin370]

Some of the open spaces used to have houses. Except for the downtown area he was driving around in the poorer areas of Darlington. Often in the poor areas property get left to heirs and they never go through probate. So the property remains in the name of some long dead relative and the living relatives don't live locally. They can't come to a consensus on what to do with property. So the property just sits and gets rundown.

[@janethill4365]

Liked your comment, "lock them up and throw away the key". Your guest was too afraid to agree with you. I say heck yes!

[@martiwaterman1437]

The good ole' USA already does that. The good ole' USA has the highest incarceration rate in the industrialized world. "Lock them up and throw away the key" isn't working. "Three strikes" didn't work. These are band-aid solutions. devoid of long term vision or planning. Remedies that can work, the good ole' USA isn't ready or willing to invest in. The good ole' USA revels in the status quo comfort zone. Outside the box solutions are considered too "radical."

[@rick_terscale1111]

It's hard to believe this is in America. I've never seen anything like this.