Is Charleston or North Myrtle Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than North Myrtle Beach (Safety Score 31/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 3,583 for North Myrtle Beach — 34% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Myrtle Beach has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 7.5x 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 Myrtle Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | North Myrtle Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 3,583.5 | -1,204.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 360.8 | -3.2 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 0.0 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 57.7 | -29.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 14.4 | +28.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 288.6 | -6.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 3,222.7 | -1,201.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 216.5 | -76.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 2,770.6 | -1,114.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 235.7 | -10.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or North Myrtle Beach safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 3,583 for North Myrtle Beach — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while North Myrtle Beach has 360.8. 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 North Myrtle Beach, SC
North Myrtle Beach, SC, a popular tourist destination, is home to the Carolina Shag dance. This coastal city, part of Horry County, boasts a significant seasonal population increase. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 20,790, North Myrtle Beach has a total crime rate of 3,583.5 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Charleston
Compare North Myrtle Beach
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