Is Charleston or Los Angeles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Angeles is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 35/100 vs 31/100), with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100,000 versus 2,379 for Charleston — 7% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Charleston has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Los Angeles is 24.2x 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
Los Angeles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Los Angeles, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 2,212.5 | +166.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 728.5 | -371.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 7.0 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 40.3 | -12.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 209.9 | -167.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 471.4 | -189.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,483.9 | +537.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 372.8 | -233.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 851.5 | +805.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 259.6 | -34.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Los Angeles safer?
Los Angeles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,212 per 100K vs 2,379 for Charleston — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Los Angeles has 728.5. 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 Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, a sprawling Southern California metropolis, is a major Pacific Rim gateway, home to Hollywood's film industry. Its diverse population of nearly 4 million people resides across a vast urban landscape bordered by mountains and the Pacific Ocean. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 3,796,352, Los Angeles has a total crime rate of 2,212.5 per 100,000 residents.