Is Aiken or North Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Aiken is safer than North Charleston (Safety Score 5/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 4,527 per 100,000 versus 4,767 for North Charleston — 5% lower. Aiken has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Aiken has a 61% lower rate.
Note: North Charleston is 3.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Aiken — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aiken, SC
North Charleston, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aiken | North Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,527.3 | 4,767.2 | -239.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 568.9 | 811.3 | -242.3 |
| Murder Rate | 12.0 | 17.0 | -5.0 |
| Rape Rate | 57.2 | 60.7 | -3.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.2 | 153.0 | -92.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 439.5 | 579.7 | -140.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,958.3 | 3,955.9 | +2.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 340.2 | 323.9 | +16.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,404.5 | 3,105.8 | +298.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 213.7 | 526.3 | -312.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aiken or North Charleston safer?
Aiken is safer with a total crime rate of 4,527 per 100K vs 4,767 for North Charleston — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aiken has a violent crime rate of 568.9 per 100K while North Charleston has 811.3. Aiken has lower violent crime.
About Aiken, SC
Aiken, South Carolina, a city in Aiken County, is known for its historic Winter Colony estates. Located in the western part of the state, it boasts a population of over 32,000 residents. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 33,221, Aiken has a total crime rate of 4,527.3 per 100,000 residents.
About North Charleston, SC
North Charleston, a city with a rich naval history, lies in the heart of the Lowcountry. It's home to a diverse population exceeding 115,000 residents, spanning both Charleston and Dorchester counties. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 123,511, North Charleston has a total crime rate of 4,767.2 per 100,000 residents.