Is Charleston or Myrtle Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Myrtle Beach (Safety Score 31/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — 65% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Charleston has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 3.8x 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
Myrtle Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Myrtle Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 6,767.1 | -4,387.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 1,111.6 | -754.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 12.2 | -7.7 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 185.3 | -157.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 173.1 | -130.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 741.1 | -458.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 5,655.5 | -3,633.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 446.1 | -306.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 4,814.5 | -3,158.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 394.9 | -169.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Myrtle Beach safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Myrtle Beach has 1,111.6. 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, a popular East Coast vacation destination, is known for its "Grand Strand" of beaches and numerous golf courses. This coastal city in Horry County experiences a significant influx of tourists, especially during the summer months. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 41,022, Myrtle Beach has a total crime rate of 6,767.1 per 100,000 residents.