Is Charleston or North Augusta Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Augusta is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 94/100 vs 31/100), with a total crime rate of 444 per 100,000 versus 2,379 for Charleston — 81% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Augusta has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 5.9x 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
North Augusta — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
North Augusta, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | North Augusta | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 443.6 | +1,935.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 34.1 | +323.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 0.0 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 3.8 | +24.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 3.8 | +38.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 26.5 | +255.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 409.5 | +1,612.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 7.6 | +132.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 379.1 | +1,277.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 22.8 | +202.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or North Augusta safer?
North Augusta is safer with a total crime rate of 444 per 100K vs 2,379 for Charleston — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while North Augusta has 34.1. North Augusta 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 North Augusta, SC
North Augusta, a historic railroad town in Aiken County, sits on the Savannah River across from Augusta, Georgia. Its charming downtown features brick sidewalks and unique local businesses, reflecting a blend of old Southern charm and modern suburban growth with a population around 25,000. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 26,377, North Augusta has a total crime rate of 443.6 per 100,000 residents.