West Oak Forest Neighborhood, Charleston

Last updated: June 16, 2026

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Summary: West Oak Forest, Charleston Crime Rate (2026)

West Oak Forest in Charleston, SC has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 92, which is 8% below the national average.

Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: June 16, 2026.

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Average
Low 92 / 300 High
Violent Crime 77
23% below national avg
Property Crime 95
5% below national avg

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in Charleston

Is West Oak Forest Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. West Oak Forest in Charleston, SC has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 92, which is 8% below the national average of 100.

Compared to the Charleston average (crime index 125), West Oak Forest is 33% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Charleston as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 117, 17% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 54).

Highest Risk
Vehicle Theft · Index 117 (17% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 54 (46% below avg)

West Oak Forest 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
68 -32% Low
Assault
105 +5% Moderate
Robbery
79 -21% Low
Rape
56 -44% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
54 -46% Low
Larceny / Theft
115 +15% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
117 +17% Moderate

How West Oak Forest Compares

Crime index by category: West Oak Forest vs Charleston average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

West Oak Forest 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

West Oak Forest Demographics & Context

Population
444
Median Income
$73,369
Home Value
$162,832
Median Age
49
Pop. Density
4,443/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 36.5%
Graduate Degree 9.1%

Housing

79%
21%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 39.1%
Black 58%
Hispanic 2%
Asian 0.2%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in West Oak Forest, Charleston?

West Oak Forest in Charleston, SC has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 92, which is 8% below the national average. Compared to the Charleston average, crime in West Oak Forest is 33% lower.

Is West Oak Forest a safe neighborhood in Charleston?

West Oak Forest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Charleston, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 117), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 54).

How does West Oak Forest compare to the rest of Charleston?

West Oak Forest's overall crime index is 92, compared to the Charleston average of 125. This means crime in West Oak Forest is 33% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 77, and for property crime it is 95. 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 West Oak Forest?

The most prevalent crime type in West Oak Forest is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 117 (17% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near West Oak Forest?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Wagener Terrace, Hampton Park Terrace, Cannonborough / Elliottborough and Harleston Village. These areas are close to West Oak Forest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of West Oak Forest?

West Oak Forest has a population of approximately 444. The median household income is $73,369. The median home value is $162,832. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does West Oak Forest crime compare to the national average?

West Oak Forest's overall crime rate is 8% below the national average (index 92 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.