Is Charleston or Forest Acres Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Forest Acres (Safety Score 31/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 3,696 for Forest Acres — 36% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charleston has a 54% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 15.2x 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
Forest Acres — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Forest Acres, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Forest Acres | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 3,695.8 | -1,316.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 291.0 | +66.6 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 9.7 | -5.2 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 38.8 | -10.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 48.5 | -5.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 194.0 | +88.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 3,404.8 | -1,383.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 213.4 | -73.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 2,968.3 | -1,311.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 223.1 | +2.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Forest Acres safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 3,696 for Forest Acres — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Forest Acres has 291.0. Forest Acres 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 Forest Acres, SC
Forest Acres, a suburb of Columbia, is known for its tree-lined streets and established neighborhoods. Once home to a bustling trolley line, it's now a largely residential area with a population over 10,000. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 10,309, Forest Acres has a total crime rate of 3,695.8 per 100,000 residents.