Is Charleston or Conway Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Conway (Safety Score 31/100 vs 30/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 2,419 for Conway — 2% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charleston has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 5.4x 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
Conway — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Conway, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Conway | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 2,419.4 | -40.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 444.6 | -87.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 10.3 | -5.9 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 41.4 | -13.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 27.6 | +15.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 365.3 | -83.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,974.8 | +46.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 103.4 | +36.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 1,757.7 | -101.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 113.7 | +111.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Conway safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 2,419 for Conway — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Conway has 444.6. Charleston 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 Conway, SC
Conway, a historic city in Horry County, is one of South Carolina's oldest towns, established in 1732. Situated along the Waccamaw River, it serves as the county seat with a population around 25,000. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 29,015, Conway has a total crime rate of 2,419.4 per 100,000 residents.