Is Charleston or Las Vegas Metro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Las Vegas Metro (Safety Score 31/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 3,053 for Las Vegas Metro — 22% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Charleston has a 34% lower rate.
Note: Las Vegas Metro is 10.9x 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
Las Vegas Metro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Las Vegas Metro, NV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Las Vegas Metro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 3,052.7 | -673.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 430.0 | -72.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 6.2 | -1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 51.6 | -23.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 64.8 | -22.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 307.2 | -24.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 2,622.7 | -601.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 461.5 | -321.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 1,564.5 | +92.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 596.7 | -371.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Las Vegas Metro safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 3,053 for Las Vegas Metro — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Las Vegas Metro has 430.0. 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 Las Vegas Metro, NV
Las Vegas Metro encompasses the vibrant Entertainment Capital of the World, a city that sprung from a railroad stop in the Mojave Desert. Its population of over 2.3 million is a diverse mix, drawn to its unique blend of resort tourism and burgeoning tech industries. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 1,716,565, Las Vegas Metro has a total crime rate of 3,052.7 per 100,000 residents.