Is Charleston or Goose Creek Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Goose Creek is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 49/100 vs 31/100), with a total crime rate of 1,722 per 100,000 versus 2,379 for Charleston — 28% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charleston has a 44% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 3.1x 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
Goose Creek — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Goose Creek, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Goose Creek | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 1,721.9 | +657.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 256.5 | +101.1 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 8.0 | -3.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 35.8 | -7.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 29.8 | +12.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 182.9 | +99.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,465.4 | +556.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 252.5 | -112.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 1,083.6 | +572.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 129.2 | +96.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Goose Creek safer?
Goose Creek is safer with a total crime rate of 1,722 per 100K vs 2,379 for Charleston — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Goose Creek has 256.5. Goose Creek 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 Goose Creek, SC
Goose Creek, a city in Berkeley County, is a northern suburb of Charleston. The area was settled in the late 17th century by English colonists and French Huguenots. It is home to a diverse population of over 45,000 residents. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 50,294, Goose Creek has a total crime rate of 1,721.9 per 100,000 residents.