| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Charleston/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 128 | n/a (estimate) | 2,567 | 2,828 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 60.2 | 10.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 60.2 | 48.9 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 20.1 | 54.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 27 | n/a | 541.4 | 374.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 34 | n/a (estimate) | 682 | 488 | 370 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 200.5 | 295.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 72 | n/a | 1,443.8 | 1,557.2 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 240.6 | 487.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 94 | n/a (estimate) | 1,885 | 2,340 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Charleston crime rate is 10.4% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Charleston, there were 34 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 682 per 100,000 individuals, 84.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, Charleston recorded 94 property crimes, amounting to 1885 per 100,000 residents, 3.6% lower than the U.S. average.
The Charleston crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Charleston, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Charleston ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Charleston, there were a total of 3 murders, translating to 60 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
In the most recent release, Charleston reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Charleston, there were 1885 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
Is Charleston a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Charleston has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 10%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.35 daily incidents, encompassing 0.09 violent crimes and 0.26 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Charleston as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Charleston. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Charleston has decreased by 17.4%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 39.3%, while property crime has decreased by 5.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Charleston.
Charleston has a poverty rate of 31.3, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Charleston is $66,800, compared to a national average of $184,700.
Charleston has an average rental rate of $654 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Charleston | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 19 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Missouri /100K | National /100K |
| Missouri | 19,657 | 344 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mounds, IL | 916 | 161 | 945 | 1,106 |
| Cairo, IL | 1,884 | 180 | 1,056 | 1,236 |
| East Prairie, MO | 2,980 | 372 | 1,421 | 1,794 |
| Wickliffe, KY | 756 | 294 | 1,989 | 2,283 |
| Columbus, KY | 239 | 311 | 2,107 | 2,418 |
| Benton, MO | 885 | 496 | 2,379 | 2,875 |
| Mound City, IL | 777 | 464 | 2,720 | 3,184 |
| Charleston, MO | 5,478 | 682 | 1,885 | 2,567 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| New Holland, PA | 5,479 | 224 | 1,186 | 1,410 |
| Somerdale, NJ | 5,479 | 271 | 5,532 | 5,804 |
| Preston, ID | 5,477 | 135 | 590 | 725 |
| Orchard Homes, MT | 5,480 | 270 | 1,240 | 1,510 |
| Cameron, TX | 5,476 | 259 | 591 | 849 |
| Charleston, MO | 5,478 | 682 | 1,885 | 2,567 |
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