Crime Safety Grade

B

Charleston, SC Crime Rate

Higher crime than 67% of U.S. cities

Safety varies across 18+ neighborhoods — see the safest areas below

Is Charleston Safe?

With an overall crime index of 125, Charleston has a 25% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 185. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Shadowmoss earning an A+ grade while East Central rates D-.

Crime Index Comparison

Charleston
125
South Carolina Avg
116
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
125
25% above average
Violent Crime
135
35% above average
Property Crime
141
41% above average
Safe Areas
78%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Charleston

1 in 185

Property crime: 1 in 177

Where Is It Safe in Charleston?

Charleston Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 47% above avg
Lowest Risk
Burglary · 28% above avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 133 ▲ 33%
Assault Violent 137 ▲ 37%
Robbery Violent 135 ▲ 35%
Burglary Property 128 ▲ 28%
Larceny / Theft Property 147 ▲ 47%
Vehicle Theft Property 147 ▲ 47%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Charleston Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Shadowmoss A+ 22
2 Village Green A+ 10
3 Charlestowne / South of Broad A+ 79
4 Daniel Island A+ 58
5 French Quarter A 163
6 Ansonborough A 140
7 Gadsden Wharf A 162
8 Mazyck-Wraggborough A 118
9 Harleston Village A- 161
10 Radcliffeborough A- 138
11 Wagener Terrace A- 102
12 Hampton Park Terrace B+ 108
13 Cannonborough / Elliottborough B 156
14 Charleston Farms B- 147
15 North Central C 148
16 Westside D+ 170
17 Eastside D 188
18 East Central D- 179

Charleston Crime by Zip Code

Charleston Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
645,413
Median Income
$72,071
Home Value
$349,993
Median Rent
$1,318
Home Ownership
55%

Racial Demographics

White
66.4%
Black
26.5%
Hispanic
5.3%
Asian
2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Charleston?
Charleston has an overall crime index of 125, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 78% of neighborhoods in Charleston are rated A or B for safety.
Is Charleston safe to live in?
Charleston has a crime safety grade of B. Average crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Charleston?
The safest neighborhoods in Charleston based on crime data include Shadowmoss, Village Green, Charlestowne / South of Broad, Daniel Island, and French Quarter. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Charleston crime compare to the national average?
Charleston's overall crime index is 125 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 25% higher than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State