Is Charleston or Dallas Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 31/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 41% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Charleston has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 8.4x 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
Dallas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Dallas, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Dallas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 4,012.3 | -1,633.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 660.5 | -302.9 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 13.6 | -9.2 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 35.9 | -7.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 168.5 | -125.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 440.1 | -157.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 3,351.9 | -1,330.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 464.1 | -324.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 1,787.3 | -130.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 1,100.5 | -874.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Dallas safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Dallas has 660.5. 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 Dallas, TX
Dallas, a major hub in North Texas, is known for its historic role in the oil industry and its sprawling urban landscape. The city boasts a diverse population exceeding 1.3 million within its city limits. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 1,321,500, Dallas has a total crime rate of 4,012.3 per 100,000 residents.