| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Charleston/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 365 | n/a (estimate) | 2,153 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 21 | n/a | 123.8 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 5.9 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 39 | n/a | 230.0 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 61 | n/a (estimate) | 360 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 103 | n/a | 607.4 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 189 | n/a | 1,114.6 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 70.8 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 304 | n/a (estimate) | 1,793 | 1,715 | 1,760 |
The Charleston crime rates are 1.6% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 61 violent crimes in Charleston (360 per 100,000 people), which is 0.2% higher than the national average and there were a total of 304 property crimes (1793 per 100,000 residents) which is 1.9% higher than average.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Charleston per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Charleston crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Charleston has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 360 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
During the most recently reported crime year, Charleston experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Charleston exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1793 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Charleston maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
AreaVibes surveyed 11 local residents in Charleston to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 45% of people answered that there was very little crime in Charleston and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 55% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Charleston is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Charleston has a total crime rate that is 2% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1 daily crimes (0.17 violent daily crimes and 0.83 daily property crimes) in Charleston.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Charleston has increased by 217.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Charleston, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 96.8%, while property crime has increased by 261.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Charleston is a safe place to live.
Charleston has a population density of 2393.9 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Charleston crime rates.
In Charleston, 85.1% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Charleston are $1,073, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Charleston | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 36 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Illinois /100K | National /100K |
| Illinois | 32,213 | 263 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kansas, IL | 801 | 468 | 312 | 780 |
| Arcola, IL | 2,953 | 348 | 521 | 869 |
| Neoga, IL | 1,633 | 140 | 829 | 969 |
| Toledo, IL | 1,204 | 140 | 830 | 970 |
| Oakland, IL | 1,103 | 141 | 835 | 976 |
| Ashmore, IL | 1,054 | 147 | 870 | 1,017 |
| Casey, IL | 2,752 | 214 | 1,286 | 1,501 |
| Charleston, IL | 20,693 | 360 | 1,793 | 2,153 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fort Mill, SC | 20,703 | 46 | 632 | 678 |
| Tukwila, WA | 20,710 | 927 | 15,244 | 16,171 |
| Rio Rico, AZ | 20,721 | 498 | 2,115 | 2,614 |
| Shelby, NC | 20,722 | 1,044 | 2,433 | 3,477 |
| Lake Zurich, IL | 20,664 | 61 | 1,211 | 1,272 |
| Charleston, IL | 20,693 | 360 | 1,793 | 2,153 |
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