Is Charleston or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 31/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 54% lower. Charleston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Charleston has a 61% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 9.7x 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
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 5,219.0 | -2,839.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 595.3 | -237.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 8.4 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 83.7 | -55.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 108.4 | -65.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 393.7 | -111.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 4,623.6 | -2,601.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 495.6 | -356.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 3,291.8 | -1,635.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 836.3 | -610.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or San Antonio safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. 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 San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.