Is North Charleston or Orangeburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Charleston is safer than Orangeburg (Safety Score 4/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,767 per 100,000 versus 7,455 for Orangeburg — 36% lower. North Charleston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Charleston has a 43% lower rate.
Note: North Charleston is 9.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
North Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Orangeburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Charleston, SC
Orangeburg, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Charleston | Orangeburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,767.2 | 7,455.0 | -2,687.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 811.3 | 1,246.3 | -435.0 |
| Murder Rate | 17.0 | 30.0 | -13.0 |
| Rape Rate | 60.7 | 22.5 | +38.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 153.0 | 187.7 | -34.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 579.7 | 1,006.0 | -426.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,955.9 | 6,208.7 | -2,252.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.9 | 1,111.1 | -787.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,105.8 | 4,557.1 | -1,451.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 526.3 | 540.5 | -14.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Charleston or Orangeburg safer?
North Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 4,767 per 100K vs 7,455 for Orangeburg — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Charleston has a violent crime rate of 811.3 per 100K while Orangeburg has 1,246.3. North Charleston has lower violent crime.
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.
About Orangeburg, SC
Orangeburg, SC, "The Garden City," is home to two historically Black colleges. Located along the Edisto River, it is the county seat of Orangeburg County. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 13,320, Orangeburg has a total crime rate of 7,455.0 per 100,000 residents.