Is Austin or North Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than North Charleston (Safety Score 11/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 4,767 for North Charleston — 22% lower. Austin has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Austin has a 61% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 8.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Austin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
North Charleston, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | North Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 4,767.2 | -1,057.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 811.3 | -343.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 17.0 | -10.4 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 60.7 | +6.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 153.0 | -67.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 579.7 | -272.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 3,955.9 | -714.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 323.9 | +121.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 3,105.8 | -907.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 526.3 | +72.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or North Charleston safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 4,767 for North Charleston — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while North Charleston has 811.3. Austin has lower violent crime.
About Austin, TX
Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World," is a rapidly growing city in Central Texas. Situated on the Colorado River, it's the state capital and home to a diverse population, including many young professionals drawn to its tech industry. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 984,613, Austin has a total crime rate of 3,709.4 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.