Is Charleston or Port Royal Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Port Royal is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 61/100 vs 31/100), with a total crime rate of 1,353 per 100,000 versus 2,379 for Charleston — 43% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Port Royal has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 9.3x 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
Port Royal — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Port Royal, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Port Royal | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 1,352.6 | +1,026.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 129.9 | +227.6 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 0.0 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 35.4 | -7.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 5.9 | +36.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 88.6 | +193.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,222.6 | +799.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 106.3 | +33.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 1,063.1 | +593.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 53.2 | +172.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Port Royal safer?
Port Royal is safer with a total crime rate of 1,353 per 100K vs 2,379 for Charleston — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Port Royal has 129.9. Port Royal 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 Port Royal, SC
Port Royal, South Carolina, boasts a rich Gullah-Geechee heritage and scenic coastal views. This small Beaufort County town is home to a diverse population, with a significant portion of its residents identifying as African American. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 16,931, Port Royal has a total crime rate of 1,352.6 per 100,000 residents.