Is Charleston or Florence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Florence (Safety Score 31/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 4,725 for Florence — 50% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charleston has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 3.8x 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
Florence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Florence, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Florence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 4,725.2 | -2,346.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 806.8 | -449.2 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 14.7 | -10.3 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 34.3 | -6.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 56.4 | -13.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 701.3 | -419.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 3,918.5 | -1,896.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 306.5 | -166.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 3,271.1 | -1,614.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 340.9 | -115.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Florence safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 4,725 for Florence — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Florence has 806.8. 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 Florence, SC
Florence, South Carolina, a Pee Dee region hub, grew around its railroad heritage. It is the largest city in Florence County, with a diverse population of over 38,000 residents. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 40,781, Florence has a total crime rate of 4,725.2 per 100,000 residents.