Is Charleston or Newberry Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Newberry (Safety Score 31/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 3,707 for Newberry — 36% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charleston has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 14.4x 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
Newberry — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Newberry, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Newberry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 3,706.8 | -1,327.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 594.9 | -237.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 45.8 | -41.3 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 36.6 | -8.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 54.9 | -12.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 448.5 | -166.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 3,111.8 | -1,090.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 439.3 | -299.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 2,599.3 | -942.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 73.2 | +152.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Newberry safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 3,707 for Newberry — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Newberry has 594.9. 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 Newberry, SC
Newberry, a small city in South Carolina's Midlands, is home to the historic Newberry Opera House. Its population is predominantly African American and has seen a decline in recent decades. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 10,926, Newberry has a total crime rate of 3,706.8 per 100,000 residents.