Is Cayce or Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Cayce (Safety Score 31/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 3,515 for Cayce — 32% lower. Cayce has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Charleston has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 11.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cayce — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cayce, SC
Charleston, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cayce | Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,514.8 | 2,379.3 | +1,135.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 733.8 | 357.6 | +376.2 |
| Murder Rate | 7.3 | 4.5 | +2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 22.0 | 28.0 | -6.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.0 | 42.7 | +1.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 660.4 | 282.4 | +378.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,781.0 | 2,021.7 | +759.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 403.6 | 139.6 | +264.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,893.2 | 1,656.5 | +236.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 484.3 | 225.6 | +258.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cayce or Charleston safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 3,515 for Cayce — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cayce has a violent crime rate of 733.8 per 100K while Charleston has 357.6. Charleston has lower violent crime.
About Cayce, SC
Cayce, South Carolina, a city in Lexington County, sits across the Congaree River from Columbia. Once home to the Congaree tribe, it now has a diverse population. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 13,628, Cayce has a total crime rate of 3,514.8 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.