Is Charleston or Clemson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Clemson is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 37/100 vs 31/100), with a total crime rate of 2,149 per 100,000 versus 2,379 for Charleston — 10% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Clemson has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 8.8x 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
Clemson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Clemson, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Clemson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 2,149.2 | +230.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 162.3 | +195.3 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 0.0 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 67.2 | -39.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 11.2 | +31.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 84.0 | +198.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,986.9 | +34.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 179.1 | -39.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 1,421.6 | +234.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 386.2 | -160.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Clemson safer?
Clemson is safer with a total crime rate of 2,149 per 100K vs 2,379 for Charleston — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Clemson has 162.3. Clemson has lower violent crime.
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.
About Clemson, SC
Clemson, South Carolina, a small city in Pickens County, is home to Clemson University, founded in 1889. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, its population is predominantly young due to the university. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 17,867, Clemson has a total crime rate of 2,149.2 per 100,000 residents.