Is Charleston or Greenwood Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Greenwood (Safety Score 31/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 3,813 for Greenwood — 38% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charleston has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 7.0x 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
Greenwood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Greenwood, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Greenwood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 3,812.6 | -1,433.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 489.4 | -131.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 13.4 | -8.9 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 62.3 | -34.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 57.8 | -15.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 351.5 | -69.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 3,323.3 | -1,301.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 729.6 | -590.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 2,531.4 | -874.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 62.3 | +163.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Greenwood safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 3,813 for Greenwood — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Greenwood has 489.4. 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 Greenwood, SC
Greenwood, SC, in the Upstate region, is home to Lander University, a public liberal arts school. This city of about 23,000 residents serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding Greenwood County. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 22,478, Greenwood has a total crime rate of 3,812.6 per 100,000 residents.