Is Myrtle Beach or North Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Charleston is safer than Myrtle Beach (Safety Score 4/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,767 per 100,000 versus 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — 30% lower. Myrtle Beach has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where North Charleston has a 30% lower rate.
Note: North 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.
Myrtle Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Myrtle Beach, SC
North Charleston, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Myrtle Beach | North Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,767.1 | 4,767.2 | +1,999.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,111.6 | 811.3 | +300.3 |
| Murder Rate | 12.2 | 17.0 | -4.8 |
| Rape Rate | 185.3 | 60.7 | +124.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 173.1 | 153.0 | +20.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 741.1 | 579.7 | +161.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,655.5 | 3,955.9 | +1,699.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 446.1 | 323.9 | +122.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,814.5 | 3,105.8 | +1,708.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 394.9 | 526.3 | -131.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myrtle Beach or North Charleston safer?
North Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 4,767 per 100K vs 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Myrtle Beach has a violent crime rate of 1,111.6 per 100K while North Charleston has 811.3. North Charleston has lower violent crime.
About Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, a popular East Coast vacation destination, is known for its "Grand Strand" of beaches and numerous golf courses. This coastal city in Horry County experiences a significant influx of tourists, especially during the summer months. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 41,022, Myrtle Beach has a total crime rate of 6,767.1 per 100,000 residents.
About North Charleston, SC
North Charleston, a city with a rich naval history, lies in the heart of the Lowcountry. It's home to a diverse population exceeding 115,000 residents, spanning both Charleston and Dorchester counties. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 123,511, North Charleston has a total crime rate of 4,767.2 per 100,000 residents.