Charleston County Crime & Safety

Charleston County, South Carolina

Safety Score

14/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2472.7

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

376.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2096.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

14/100

Higher = safer

State avg 14/100

State Safety Rank

#14

of 46 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Charleston County, South Carolina

Charleston's Safety Metrics vs the Nation

Charleston County maintains a safety score of 96.1, which is notably high despite a total crime rate of 2472.7 per 100,000. This total crime rate sits slightly above the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Safety Performer in South Carolina

With a safety score of 96.1, Charleston County outperforms the state average of 95.4. It stands as one of the more secure coastal regions in South Carolina.

Lower Crime Rates than Surrounding Areas

Charleston's crime rate of 2472.7 is significantly lower than neighboring Colleton County, which sees 3493.1 crimes per 100,000. It offers a much safer profile than more rural neighbors like Clarendon.

Understanding Charleston's Crime Mix

Violent crime stands at 376.0, very close to the national benchmark of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 2096.7 incidents per 100,000, representing the bulk of local safety concerns.

Securing Your Charleston Home

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Charleston County, SC?

Charleston County has a total crime rate of 2472.7 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (376.0 per 100K) and property crimes (2096.7 per 100K).

Is Charleston County, SC safe?

Charleston County has a safety score of 14/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #14 out of 46 counties in South Carolina for safety (1 = safest).

How does Charleston County crime compare to the South Carolina average?

With a safety score of 96.1, Charleston County outperforms the state average of 95.4. It stands as one of the more secure coastal regions in South Carolina.

What types of crime are most common in Charleston County?

Violent crime stands at 376.0, very close to the national benchmark of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 2096.7 incidents per 100,000, representing the bulk of local safety concerns.

How is crime data measured and reported for Charleston County?

Crime data for Charleston County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Charleston County?

Charleston County has a safety score of 14/100, which is below the South Carolina average of 14/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.