Is North Charleston or Roanoke City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Roanoke City is safer than North Charleston (Safety Score 5/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 4,676 per 100,000 versus 4,767 for North Charleston — 2% lower. North Charleston has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Roanoke City has a 39% lower rate.
North Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Roanoke City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Charleston, SC
Roanoke City, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Charleston | Roanoke City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,767.2 | 4,676.0 | +91.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 811.3 | 620.5 | +190.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.0 | 11.3 | +5.7 |
| Rape Rate | 60.7 | 86.6 | -25.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 153.0 | 92.8 | +60.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 579.7 | 429.8 | +149.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,955.9 | 4,055.6 | -99.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.9 | 387.5 | -63.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,105.8 | 3,273.3 | -167.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 526.3 | 394.7 | +131.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Charleston or Roanoke City safer?
Roanoke City is safer with a total crime rate of 4,676 per 100K vs 4,767 for North Charleston — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Charleston has a violent crime rate of 811.3 per 100K while Roanoke City has 620.5. Roanoke City 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 Roanoke City, VA
Roanoke, Virginia, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is known as the "Star City" for its illuminated mountain star. This independent city serves as a regional hub for southwest Virginia, with a diverse population of around 100,000 residents. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 97,027, Roanoke City has a total crime rate of 4,676.0 per 100,000 residents.