Is Anderson or Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Anderson (Safety Score 31/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 6,265 for Anderson — 62% lower. Anderson has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Charleston has a 65% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 5.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Anderson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Anderson, SC
Charleston, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Anderson | Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,265.3 | 2,379.3 | +3,886.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 560.5 | 357.6 | +203.0 |
| Murder Rate | 3.3 | 4.5 | -1.1 |
| Rape Rate | 56.4 | 28.0 | +28.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 43.1 | 42.7 | +0.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 457.7 | 282.4 | +175.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,704.8 | 2,021.7 | +3,683.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 484.3 | 139.6 | +344.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,845.8 | 1,656.5 | +3,189.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 374.8 | 225.6 | +149.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anderson or Charleston safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 6,265 for Anderson — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Anderson has a violent crime rate of 560.5 per 100K while Charleston has 357.6. Charleston has lower violent crime.
About Anderson, SC
Anderson, SC, "The Electric City," is a historic manufacturing hub in the Upstate region. Situated in Anderson County, its population is approximately 28,000, with a diverse demographic makeup. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 30,150, Anderson has a total crime rate of 6,265.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Charleston, SC
Charleston, a historic port city founded in 1670, boasts cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture. Situated on a peninsula, its population is predominantly white, with a significant Black community contributing to its rich Lowcountry culture. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 156,898, Charleston has a total crime rate of 2,379.3 per 100,000 residents.