Is Charleston or Summerville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Summerville is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 40/100 vs 31/100), with a total crime rate of 1,990 per 100,000 versus 2,379 for Charleston — 16% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Summerville has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 3.0x 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
Summerville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Summerville, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Summerville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 1,990.5 | +388.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 222.4 | +135.1 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 3.8 | +0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 17.3 | +10.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 21.1 | +21.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 180.3 | +102.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,768.0 | +253.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 97.8 | +41.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 1,545.6 | +110.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 124.7 | +101.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Summerville safer?
Summerville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,990 per 100K vs 2,379 for Charleston — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Summerville has 222.4. Summerville 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 Summerville, SC
Summerville, the "Flowertown in the World," is a historic town in Dorchester County, South Carolina. Known for its picturesque downtown and abundant azaleas, it lies approximately 25 miles northwest of Charleston, drawing residents seeking a suburban lifestyle. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 52,148, Summerville has a total crime rate of 1,990.5 per 100,000 residents.