Is Charleston or Rock Hill Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Rock Hill (Safety Score 31/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 2,790 for Rock Hill — 15% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charleston has a 62% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 2.1x 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
Rock Hill — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Rock Hill, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Rock Hill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 2,790.4 | -411.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 442.3 | -84.7 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 11.9 | -7.4 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 34.2 | -6.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 39.5 | +3.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 355.4 | -73.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 2,348.1 | -326.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 275.1 | -135.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 1,807.2 | -150.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 265.9 | -40.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Rock Hill safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 2,790 for Rock Hill — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Rock Hill has 442.3. 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 Rock Hill, SC
Rock Hill, South Carolina, a city in York County, is known for its textile heritage and as the site of the first sit-ins of the modern Civil Rights Movement. Situated just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, it boasts a population reflecting a diverse mix of long-time residents and newcomers. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 75,975, Rock Hill has a total crime rate of 2,790.4 per 100,000 residents.