Is Charleston or Fountain Inn Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fountain Inn is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 72/100 vs 31/100), with a total crime rate of 1,057 per 100,000 versus 2,379 for Charleston — 56% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fountain Inn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 11.2x 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
Fountain Inn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Fountain Inn, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Fountain Inn | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 1,057.4 | +1,321.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 78.6 | +279.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 0.0 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 0.0 | +28.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 7.1 | +35.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 71.5 | +210.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 978.9 | +1,042.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 92.9 | +46.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 750.2 | +906.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 135.8 | +89.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Fountain Inn safer?
Fountain Inn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,057 per 100K vs 2,379 for Charleston — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Fountain Inn has 78.6. Fountain Inn 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 Fountain Inn, SC
Fountain Inn, named for an old inn with a fountain, is a small city in Greenville County. Situated along the I-385 corridor, it has experienced steady population growth. With a safety score of 72/100 and a population coverage of 13,996, Fountain Inn has a total crime rate of 1,057.4 per 100,000 residents.