Is North Charleston or Summerville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Summerville is safer than North Charleston (Safety Score 40/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 1,990 per 100,000 versus 4,767 for North Charleston — 58% lower. North Charleston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Summerville has a 86% lower rate.
Note: North Charleston is 2.4x 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
Summerville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Charleston, SC
Summerville, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Charleston | Summerville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,767.2 | 1,990.5 | +2,776.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 811.3 | 222.4 | +588.8 |
| Murder Rate | 17.0 | 3.8 | +13.2 |
| Rape Rate | 60.7 | 17.3 | +43.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 153.0 | 21.1 | +131.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 579.7 | 180.3 | +399.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,955.9 | 1,768.0 | +2,187.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.9 | 97.8 | +226.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,105.8 | 1,545.6 | +1,560.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 526.3 | 124.7 | +401.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Charleston or Summerville safer?
Summerville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,990 per 100K vs 4,767 for North Charleston — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Charleston has a violent crime rate of 811.3 per 100K while Summerville has 222.4. Summerville 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 Summerville, SC
Summerville, the "Flowertown in the World," is a historic town in Dorchester County, South Carolina. Known for its picturesque downtown and abundant azaleas, it lies approximately 25 miles northwest of Charleston, drawing residents seeking a suburban lifestyle. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 52,148, Summerville has a total crime rate of 1,990.5 per 100,000 residents.