Is North Charleston or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than North Charleston (Safety Score 17/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,767 for North Charleston — 34% lower. North Charleston has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Phoenix has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 13.5x 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
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Charleston, SC
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Charleston | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,767.2 | 3,125.4 | +1,641.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 811.3 | 800.0 | +11.2 |
| Murder Rate | 17.0 | 8.4 | +8.6 |
| Rape Rate | 60.7 | 64.3 | -3.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 153.0 | 181.6 | -28.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 579.7 | 545.3 | +34.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,955.9 | 2,325.3 | +1,630.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.9 | 317.2 | +6.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,105.8 | 1,582.1 | +1,523.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 526.3 | 426.0 | +100.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Charleston or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,767 for North Charleston — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Charleston has a violent crime rate of 811.3 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.