Is Bluffton or North Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bluffton is safer than North Charleston (Safety Score 77/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 944 per 100,000 versus 4,767 for North Charleston — 80% lower. Bluffton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Bluffton has a 86% lower rate.
Note: North Charleston is 3.3x 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
North Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bluffton, SC
North Charleston, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bluffton | North Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 943.9 | 4,767.2 | -3,823.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 118.7 | 811.3 | -692.6 |
| Murder Rate | 5.3 | 17.0 | -11.7 |
| Rape Rate | 15.8 | 60.7 | -44.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.1 | 153.0 | -131.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 76.5 | 579.7 | -503.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 825.3 | 3,955.9 | -3,130.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 68.6 | 323.9 | -255.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 680.3 | 3,105.8 | -2,425.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 76.5 | 526.3 | -449.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bluffton or North Charleston safer?
Bluffton is safer with a total crime rate of 944 per 100K vs 4,767 for North Charleston — a 80% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bluffton has a violent crime rate of 118.7 per 100K while North Charleston has 811.3. 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 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.