Charleston, SC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Charleston, SC

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Charleston crime rate is 2.6% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Charleston, there were 571 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 375 per 100,000 individuals, 1.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Charleston recorded 2878 property crimes, amounting to 1889 per 100,000 residents, 3.3% lower than the U.S. average.

When evaluating the Charleston crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Charleston crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

The violent crime rate in Charleston closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 375 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Charleston as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.

Charleston maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Charleston, 1889 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Charleston?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Charleston. Based on the results of the surveys (83 responses), 54% of people felt that there was very little crime in Charleston and felt safe walking alone at night. While 46% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Charleston a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Charleston, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Charleston presents a total crime rate that is 3% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Charleston experiences an average of 9.45 daily crimes, comprising 1.56 violent incidents and 7.88 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Charleston Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Charleston has decreased by 9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Charleston, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 7.6%, while property crime has decreased by 9.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Charleston is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Charleston

Charleston reports an unemployment rate of 2.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Charleston crime rates.

The median home price in Charleston is $349,000, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Charleston, the average rental rates are $1,318 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Charleston crime map