Is Charleston or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 31/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 56% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Charleston has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 9.9x 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
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 5,458.5 | -3,079.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 910.3 | -552.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 16.9 | -12.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 46.1 | -18.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 273.2 | -230.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 572.5 | -290.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 4,548.2 | -2,526.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 319.0 | -179.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 3,223.6 | -1,567.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 1,005.6 | -780.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Philadelphia safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. 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 Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.