The Merchant Neighborhood, Charleston
Last updated: June 16, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very high crime — well above the national average across categories
Summary: The Merchant, Charleston Crime Rate (2026)
The Merchant in Charleston, SC has a crime safety grade of F as of 2026. The overall crime index is 195, which is 95% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: June 16, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Charleston
Is The Merchant Safe?
No — this area has very high crime. The Merchant in Charleston, SC has a safety grade of F. The overall crime index is 195, which is 95% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Charleston average (crime index 125), The Merchant is 70% 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: 198, 98% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 142).
The Merchant Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Charleston city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Assault
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
192 | +92% | High | |
|
Rape
|
198 | +98% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
191 | +91% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
198 | +98% | High | |
How The Merchant Compares
Crime index by category: The Merchant vs Charleston average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
The Merchant Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
The Merchant Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in The Merchant, Charleston?
The Merchant in Charleston, SC has a crime safety grade of F as of 2026. The overall crime index is 195, which is 95% above the national average. Compared to the Charleston average, crime in The Merchant is 70% higher.
Is The Merchant a safe neighborhood in Charleston?
The Merchant has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of F. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Rape (index: 198), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 142).
How does The Merchant compare to the rest of Charleston?
The Merchant's overall crime index is 195, compared to the Charleston average of 125. This means crime in The Merchant is 70% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 196, and for property crime it is 177. 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 The Merchant?
The most prevalent crime type in The Merchant is Rape, with a crime index of 198 (98% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near The Merchant?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Wagener Terrace, Hampton Park Terrace, Cannonborough / Elliottborough and Mazyck-Wraggborough. These areas are close to The Merchant and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of The Merchant?
The Merchant has a population of approximately 3. The median household income is $18,067. The median home value is $191,608. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does The Merchant crime compare to the national average?
The Merchant's overall crime rate is 95% above the national average (index 195 vs 100). 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 June 2026.