Is North Charleston or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Charleston is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 4/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,767 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 13% lower. North Charleston has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where North Charleston has a 44% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 12.5x 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
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Charleston, SC
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Charleston | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,767.2 | 5,458.5 | -691.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 811.3 | 910.3 | -99.1 |
| Murder Rate | 17.0 | 16.9 | +0.1 |
| Rape Rate | 60.7 | 46.1 | +14.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 153.0 | 273.2 | -120.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 579.7 | 572.5 | +7.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,955.9 | 4,548.2 | -592.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.9 | 319.0 | +4.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,105.8 | 3,223.6 | -117.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 526.3 | 1,005.6 | -479.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Charleston or Philadelphia safer?
North Charleston is safer with a total crime rate of 4,767 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Charleston has a violent crime rate of 811.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. 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 Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.