North Charleston, SC Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About North Charleston Crime & Safety

Is North Charleston safe?

North Charleston earns an overall crime grade of C-, and its city-wide safety rating is classified as Below Average (D). Of the four neighborhoods analyzed, exactly 50% earn a B grade or higher—North Charleston proper (B+) and Four Mile Hibernian (B)—while the remaining 50% fall into the D range: Rosemont (D-) and Silver Hill / Magnolia (D-). That split means your experience of safety in North Charleston depends heavily on which part of the city you are in. Residents in the North Charleston neighborhood and Four Mile Hibernian area generally report a more manageable safety environment, while those near Rosemont or Silver Hill / Magnolia face measurably higher crime exposure. Awareness of these neighborhood-level differences is the most practical tool for staying safe here.

What is the crime rate in North Charleston, SC?

North Charleston's overall crime grade is a C-, reflecting crime levels that are above the national average but not uniformly distributed across the city. Breaking it down by neighborhood: 50% of analyzed neighborhoods score in the B range (North Charleston at B+ and Four Mile Hibernian at B), and 50% score in the D range (Rosemont and Silver Hill / Magnolia both at D-). Socioeconomic context matters here—the city's poverty rate of 19.7% and a median household income of $47,201 are factors that research consistently links to elevated property and violent crime. With a population of 113,880 spread across a relatively low density of 566 residents per square mile, crime is concentrated in specific corridors rather than evenly spread citywide.

What are the safest neighborhoods in North Charleston?

Based on 2026 crime data, the two safest neighborhoods in North Charleston are:

• North Charleston (core area) — Grade: B+: Home to approximately 3,337 residents with a median income of $44,177, this neighborhood posts the best safety score in the city and is the top choice for families and individuals prioritizing security.
• Four Mile Hibernian — Grade: B: A smaller community of about 622 residents with a median income of $24,412. Despite its lower income level, it earns a solid B grade, making it the second-safest analyzed area.

By contrast, Rosemont (D-, pop. 393) and Silver Hill / Magnolia (D-, pop. 926) represent the higher-crime end of the spectrum, with median incomes of $17,743 and $22,259 respectively—well below the city median—which correlates with their lower safety grades.

Which neighborhoods in North Charleston have the highest crime?

The two neighborhoods with the highest crime levels in North Charleston are Silver Hill / Magnolia and Rosemont, both graded D-. Silver Hill / Magnolia has a population of 926 and a median income of just $22,259—roughly half the city median of $47,201—while Rosemont is a smaller pocket of 393 residents with a median income of $17,743, the lowest of any analyzed neighborhood. These areas account for the lower half of the city's 50% D-or-below grade distribution. If you are visiting or relocating, the North Charleston crime map can help you visualize the boundaries of these zones so you can plan accordingly.

Is North Charleston a good place to live in 2026?

North Charleston offers genuine affordability—a median home value of $182,650 and median rent of $1,084 are well below national averages—along with economic opportunity reflected in a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.3%. However, prospective residents should weigh those advantages against a C- overall crime grade and a poverty rate of 19.7%, which is notably high. The city is not monolithic: if you can secure housing in the North Charleston core neighborhood (B+) or Four Mile Hibernian (B), your day-to-day safety experience will be significantly better than the city average suggests. Conversely, Rosemont and Silver Hill / Magnolia present real challenges. In short, North Charleston can be a good place to live—but neighborhood selection is critical, and using the crime map to guide that decision is strongly recommended.

How does North Charleston's crime compare to the rest of South Carolina?

North Charleston's C- crime grade places it below average relative to comparable South Carolina cities. Its 19.7% poverty rate—nearly double the national median household benchmark—and a city-wide safety rating of Below Average (D) indicate that crime pressure here is higher than in many SC communities. Only 50% of analyzed neighborhoods reach a B grade, meaning half the city's measured areas carry D-level risk. That said, the city is not among the most dangerous in the state; its lower population density of 566 people per square mile limits the concentration of crime compared to denser urban cores. Checking the North Charleston crime map alongside statewide comparisons gives the clearest picture of where this city stands.