Is Charleston or Simpsonville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Charleston is safer than Simpsonville (Safety Score 31/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100,000 versus 2,822 for Simpsonville — 16% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Simpsonville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 5.4x 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
Simpsonville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Simpsonville, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Simpsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 2,821.9 | -442.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 214.2 | +143.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 0.0 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 44.9 | -16.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 20.7 | +22.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 148.5 | +133.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 2,607.8 | -586.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 141.6 | -2.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 2,331.5 | -675.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 134.7 | +90.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Simpsonville safer?
Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,379 per 100K vs 2,822 for Simpsonville — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Simpsonville has 214.2. Simpsonville 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 Simpsonville, SC
Simpsonville, SC, once a railroad town, is a growing suburb in Greenville County. Its proximity to I-385 makes it a convenient location for its diverse population of over 24,000 residents. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 28,952, Simpsonville has a total crime rate of 2,821.9 per 100,000 residents.