Is North Charleston or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Diego is safer than North Charleston (Safety Score 38/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 4,767 for North Charleston — 56% lower. North Charleston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 85% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 11.2x 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
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Charleston, SC
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Charleston | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,767.2 | 2,082.4 | +2,684.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 811.3 | 412.4 | +398.9 |
| Murder Rate | 17.0 | 2.5 | +14.5 |
| Rape Rate | 60.7 | 21.4 | +39.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 153.0 | 77.4 | +75.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 579.7 | 310.9 | +268.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,955.9 | 1,670.0 | +2,285.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.9 | 187.4 | +136.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,105.8 | 1,087.1 | +2,018.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 526.3 | 395.5 | +130.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Charleston or San Diego safer?
San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 4,767 for North Charleston — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Charleston has a violent crime rate of 811.3 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego 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 San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, a major port city with a significant Hispanic population, sits on the Pacific Ocean just north of the Mexican border. Known for its mild climate and Balboa Park, it's also home to a large naval presence. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 1,389,024, San Diego has a total crime rate of 2,082.4 per 100,000 residents.