Is North Charleston or Port Royal Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Port Royal is safer than North Charleston (Safety Score 61/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 1,353 per 100,000 versus 4,767 for North Charleston — 72% lower. North Charleston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Port Royal has a 100% lower rate.
Note: North Charleston is 7.3x 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
Port Royal — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Charleston, SC
Port Royal, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Charleston | Port Royal | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,767.2 | 1,352.6 | +3,414.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 811.3 | 129.9 | +681.3 |
| Murder Rate | 17.0 | 0.0 | +17.0 |
| Rape Rate | 60.7 | 35.4 | +25.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 153.0 | 5.9 | +147.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 579.7 | 88.6 | +491.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,955.9 | 1,222.6 | +2,733.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.9 | 106.3 | +217.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,105.8 | 1,063.1 | +2,042.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 526.3 | 53.2 | +473.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Charleston or Port Royal safer?
Port Royal is safer with a total crime rate of 1,353 per 100K vs 4,767 for North Charleston — a 72% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Charleston has a violent crime rate of 811.3 per 100K while Port Royal has 129.9. Port Royal 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 Port Royal, SC
Port Royal, South Carolina, boasts a rich Gullah-Geechee heritage and scenic coastal views. This small Beaufort County town is home to a diverse population, with a significant portion of its residents identifying as African American. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 16,931, Port Royal has a total crime rate of 1,352.6 per 100,000 residents.