Is Charleston or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 36/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,153 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 59% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charleston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 89.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, IL
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,152.5 | 5,219.0 | -3,066.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 359.7 | 595.3 | -235.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 123.8 | 83.7 | +40.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 5.9 | 108.4 | -102.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 230.0 | 393.7 | -163.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,792.8 | 4,623.6 | -2,830.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 607.4 | 495.6 | +111.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,114.6 | 3,291.8 | -2,177.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 70.8 | 836.3 | -765.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or San Antonio safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,153 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 359.7 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. Charleston has lower violent crime.
About Charleston, IL
Home to Eastern Illinois University, Charleston is a Central Illinois city with a population around 17,000. It's known for its historic town square and as the site of one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 16,957, Charleston has a total crime rate of 2,152.5 per 100,000 residents.
About San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.