Is Charleston or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than New York City (Safety Score 31/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 22% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Charleston has a 77% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 52.9x 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
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 3,039.7 | -660.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 671.4 | -313.9 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 3.9 | +0.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 23.4 | +4.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 187.5 | -144.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 456.2 | -173.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 2,368.3 | -346.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 154.7 | -15.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 2,015.0 | -358.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 198.5 | +27.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or New York City safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. 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 New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.