Is Charleston or Mount Pleasant Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mount Pleasant is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 63/100 vs 31/100), with a total crime rate of 1,300 per 100,000 versus 2,379 for Charleston — 45% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mount Pleasant has a 100% lower rate.
Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mount Pleasant — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Mount Pleasant | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 1,300.1 | +1,079.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 128.4 | +229.2 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 0.0 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 14.5 | +13.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 21.7 | +21.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 92.1 | +190.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,171.8 | +850.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 98.3 | +41.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 999.9 | +656.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 73.5 | +152.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Mount Pleasant safer?
Mount Pleasant is safer with a total crime rate of 1,300 per 100K vs 2,379 for Charleston — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Mount Pleasant has 128.4. Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC, a large suburban town across the Cooper River from Charleston, was originally home to the Sewee people. Today, it's one of South Carolina's fastest-growing municipalities, with a median age of around 40. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 96,608, Mount Pleasant has a total crime rate of 1,300.1 per 100,000 residents.