Is Bluffton or Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bluffton is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 77/100 vs 31/100), with a total crime rate of 944 per 100,000 versus 2,379 for Charleston — 60% lower. Bluffton has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Bluffton has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 4.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bluffton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bluffton, SC
Charleston, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bluffton | Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 943.9 | 2,379.3 | -1,435.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 118.7 | 357.6 | -238.9 |
| Murder Rate | 5.3 | 4.5 | +0.8 |
| Rape Rate | 15.8 | 28.0 | -12.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.1 | 42.7 | -21.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 76.5 | 282.4 | -205.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 825.3 | 2,021.7 | -1,196.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 68.6 | 139.6 | -71.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 680.3 | 1,656.5 | -976.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 76.5 | 225.6 | -149.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bluffton or Charleston safer?
Bluffton is safer with a total crime rate of 944 per 100K vs 2,379 for Charleston — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bluffton has a violent crime rate of 118.7 per 100K while Charleston has 357.6. Bluffton has lower violent crime.
About Bluffton, SC
Bluffton, a "Lowcountry" town on the May River, was once a thriving antebellum port. This charming Beaufort County community is known for its distinctive architecture and vibrant arts scene, drawing visitors to its historic district. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 37,927, Bluffton has a total crime rate of 943.9 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.