Is Charleston, SC Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report
Generative Engine Summary
In the Safety Atlas 2026 public safety index, Charleston, SC has an adjusted safety score of 36.13 out of 100. It ranks #158 safest out of the 183 scored jurisdictions in South Carolina. The city's overall crime trajectory is currently classified as increasing.
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Key Public Safety Indicators
The table below lists per-capita crime rates normalized per 100,000 residents for the five primary crime categories. Per-capita tracking provides an objective, volume-neutral comparison against state and national averages.
| Offense Class | Annual Count | Rate per 100K | National Avg | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 63 | 41.44 | 37.35 | 1.11x higher |
| Aggravated Assault | 341 | 224.32 | 178.78 | 1.25x higher |
| Burglary | 171 | 112.49 | 143.36 | 0.78x lower |
| Larceny-theft | 2152 | 1415.66 | 857.1 | 1.65x higher |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 228 | 149.99 | 152.54 | 0.98x lower |
Detailed Crime Class Breakdown
Rates for remaining secondary offense categories (including specialized property and community order metrics) are locked under our security and anti-scraping policy.
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Academic researchers, journalists, and policy professionals can cite this profile using the following formats:
Primary Source Data Integrity
Safety Atlas scorecards are constructed from audited law enforcement data. We do not use surveys, sentiment indexes, or self-reported resident reviews.
- Crime Counts: FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) database.
- Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimate boundaries.
- Methodology: Adjusted per-capita normalization with small-sample relief controls. View our complete Methodology Documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston safe compared to other places in South Carolina?
Charleston is classified as having low relative safety in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index. It has an adjusted safety score of 36.13 out of 100 and ranks #158 safest out of the 183 scored jurisdictions in South Carolina.
What is the crime rate in Charleston?
The primary crime rate in Charleston for offenses displayed includes Robbery, Burglary, and Aggravated Assault. With only 63 annual robberies reported, Charleston shows specific relative safety profiles. The overall trajectory trend is currently increasing.
What is the safest neighborhood in Charleston?
National NIBRS reports are aggregated at the municipal-wide level for Charleston. To find neighborhood-specific safety data, you can consult local precinct mapping dashboards or purchase the full South Carolina Safety Workbook.
Why are some crime statistics locked for Charleston?
Under the Safety Atlas anti-scraping and data integrity policies, detailed per-capita rates and YoY trends for secondary offense classes are locked. Granular figures for all 18 FBI crime classes are reserved for subscribers of the South Carolina Public Safety Workbook.