Is Charleston or Greenville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Greenville (Safety Score 31/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 4,114 for Greenville — 42% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charleston has a 53% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 2.1x 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
Greenville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Greenville, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Greenville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 4,114.2 | -1,734.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 645.7 | -288.2 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 9.5 | -5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 30.0 | -1.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 64.0 | -21.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 540.8 | -258.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 3,468.4 | -1,446.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 303.8 | -164.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 2,858.1 | -1,201.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 306.5 | -80.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Greenville safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 4,114 for Greenville — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Greenville has 645.7. 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 Greenville, SC
Greenville, a city in the Upstate region, boasts a revitalized downtown along the Reedy River. It’s known for its textile industry heritage and a growing population of over 70,000 residents. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 73,405, Greenville has a total crime rate of 4,114.2 per 100,000 residents.