| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Charleston/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 46 | n/a (estimate) | 1,689 | 2,509 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 73.4 | 69.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 38.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 440.5 | 463.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 514 | 579 | 359 |
| Burglary | 6 | n/a | 220.3 | 352.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 26 | n/a | 954.5 | 1,400.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 176.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 1,175 | 1,930 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Charleston is 20.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 14 violent crimes reported in Charleston, equivalent to 514 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 43.1%. Additionally, Charleston recorded 32 property crimes, amounting to 1175 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 33.3%.
In the most recently reported crime year, Charleston registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
The United States contends with some of the globe's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, merely a small fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by vehicle theft reports. In this regard, Charleston stands out as one of those cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in its most recent crime report.
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 lower than the national average by 20%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.13 daily incidents, encompassing 0.04 violent crimes and 0.09 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.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Charleston. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Charleston has decreased by 4.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 7.7%, while property crimes have decreased by 8.6%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Charleston crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Charleston has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Charleston crime rates. The population density in Charleston is 614.8 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Charleston, the average monthly rent stands at $1,003, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Charleston | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 4 | 5,164 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Arkansas /100K | National /100K |
| Arkansas | 8,875 | 323 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Greenwood, AR | 9,615 | 216 | 329 | 545 |
| Lavaca, AR | 2,508 | 197 | 434 | 632 |
| Central City, AR | 680 | 0 | 644 | 644 |
| Alma, AR | 6,029 | 446 | 1,041 | 1,487 |
| Mulberry, AR | 1,635 | 183 | 1,341 | 1,524 |
| Kibler, AR | 1,222 | 575 | 958 | 1,533 |
| Barling, AR | 5,089 | 354 | 1,342 | 1,696 |
| Charleston, AR | 2,544 | 514 | 1,175 | 1,689 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| St. Hedwig, TX | 2,544 | 85 | 444 | 529 |
| Ingalls, IN | 2,544 | 143 | 629 | 772 |
| Charlevoix, MI | 2,544 | 170 | 1,491 | 1,662 |
| Arlington Heights, WA | 2,544 | 75 | 565 | 640 |
| York, AL | 2,544 | 176 | 264 | 439 |
| Charleston, AR | 2,544 | 514 | 1,175 | 1,689 |
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