Is Charleston or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 31/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 24% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Charleston has a 76% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 10.6x 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
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 3,125.4 | -746.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 800.0 | -442.5 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 8.4 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 64.3 | -36.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 181.6 | -138.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 545.3 | -263.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 2,325.3 | -303.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 317.2 | -177.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 1,582.1 | +74.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 426.0 | -200.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Phoenix safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. 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 Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.