East Central Neighborhood, Charleston

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Crime Rate & Statistics

D-

High crime area — exercise caution, especially at night

Safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Charleston

Summary: East Central, Charleston Crime Rate (2026)

East Central in Charleston, SC has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 179, which is 79% above the national average. East Central is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Charleston.

Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 1, 2026.

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High

Low 179 / 300 High

Violent Crime 171

71% above national avg

Property Crime 156

56% above national avg

City Ranking

safer than other

Charleston neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Charleston

Is East Central Safe?

No — this is a high-crime area. East Central in Charleston, SC has a safety grade of D-. The overall crime index is 179, which is 79% above the national average of 100. East Central is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Charleston.

Compared to the Charleston average (crime index 125), East Central is 54% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 186, 86% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 114).

Highest Risk

Rape · Index 186 (86% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Burglary · Index 114 (14% above avg)

East Central Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Charleston city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Charleston	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	178	+78%	+45%	High
Assault	184	+84%	+47%	High
Robbery	135	+35%	0%	Moderate
Rape	186	+86%	N/A	High
Property Crime
Burglary	114	+14%	-14%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	170	+70%	+23%	High
Vehicle Theft	185	+85%	+38%	High

How East Central Compares

Crime index by category: East Central vs Charleston average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

East Central Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

East Central Demographics & Context

Population

879

Median Income

$32,395

Home Value

$409,132

Median Age

Pop. Density

3,159/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 14.5%

Graduate Degree 7.3%

Housing

27%

73%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 17.6%

Black 80%

Hispanic 0.8%

Asian 0.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

North Central Index: 148

Eastside Index: 188

Hampton Park Terrace Index: 108

B+

Wagener Terrace Index: 102

A-

Cannonborough / Elliottborough Index: 156

Westside Index: 170

D+

Mazyck-Wraggborough Index: 118

Radcliffeborough Index: 138

A-

East Central Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Charleston Crime Statistics

View all Charleston neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in East Central, Charleston?

East Central in Charleston, SC has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 179, which is 79% above the national average. Compared to the Charleston average, crime in East Central is 54% higher. East Central is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Charleston.

Is East Central a safe neighborhood in Charleston?

East Central has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Rape (index: 186), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 114). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Charleston.

How does East Central compare to the rest of Charleston?

East Central's overall crime index is 179, compared to the Charleston average of 125. This means crime in East Central is 54% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 171, and for property crime it is 156. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in East Central?

The most prevalent crime type in East Central is Rape, with a crime index of 186 (86% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near East Central?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Hampton Park Terrace, Wagener Terrace, Cannonborough / Elliottborough and Mazyck-Wraggborough. These areas are close to East Central and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of East Central?

East Central has a population of approximately 879. The median household income is $32,395. The median home value is $409,132. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does East Central crime compare to the national average?

East Central's overall crime rate is 79% above the national average (index 179 vs 100). Within Charleston, it is safer than 0% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated May 2026.