North Charleston, SC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in North Charleston, SC

The North Charleston crime rates are 147.3% 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 1123 violent crimes in North Charleston (942 per 100,000 people), which is 154.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 5728 property crimes (4805 per 100,000 residents) which is 145.9% higher than average.

North Charleston has a crime rate of 5748 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 147.29%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of North Charleston. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

North Charleston has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 942 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, North Charleston falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 107 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, North Charleston ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In North Charleston, there were a total of 33 murders, translating to 28 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

With a property crime rate of 4805 crimes per 100,000 people, North Charleston unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in North Charleston is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 21, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and North Charleston is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, North Charleston reported a total of 708 vehicle thefts, resulting in 594 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 169, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in North Charleston?

What do the local residents think about crime in North Charleston? Well, based on a recent survey of 106 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 9% of North Charleston residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 91% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is North Charleston a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in North Charleston, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. North Charleston presents a total crime rate that is 147% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, North Charleston experiences an average of 18.77 daily crimes, comprising 3.08 violent incidents and 15.69 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in North Charleston Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in North Charleston. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in North Charleston has decreased by 6.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 8.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 5.6%. 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.

Potential Causes for Crime in North Charleston

North Charleston has a poverty rate of 19.7, 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.

North Charleston has a population density of 1466.7 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower North Charleston crime rates.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. North Charleston has a median home price of $184,600, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

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