Is Charleston or Lexington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lexington is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 50/100 vs 31/100), with a total crime rate of 1,684 per 100,000 versus 2,379 for Charleston — 29% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lexington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 6.2x 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
Lexington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Lexington, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Lexington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 1,683.8 | +695.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 118.3 | +239.3 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 0.0 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 7.9 | +20.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 0.0 | +42.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 110.4 | +171.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,565.5 | +456.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 94.6 | +44.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 1,372.3 | +284.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 98.6 | +127.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Lexington safer?
Lexington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,684 per 100K vs 2,379 for Charleston — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Lexington has 118.3. Lexington 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 Lexington, SC
Lexington, South Carolina, a town within the Columbia metropolitan area, boasts a rich history dating back to its colonial roots. Situated near Lake Murray, it is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 25,359, Lexington has a total crime rate of 1,683.8 per 100,000 residents.