United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Charleston scores 80/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Charleston is a safe city for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal security precautions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 29 July 2026
80
/ 100
Safer than ~86% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowThe homicide rate is comparable to the US average, with no specific indications of high armed robbery risk for tourists.
Pickpocketing
ModerateAs with any popular tourist destination, pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded areas, particularly in the historic downtown.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Generally positive, but with some caution
78/100
Crowdsourced data suggests that while a majority feel safe walking alone after dark, there's a notable portion who do not, indicating a mixed sentiment regarding personal safety.
Yes — Charleston is a safe city for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal security precautions.
Charleston presents a low risk for visitors, with strong institutional indicators and low rates of violent crime compared to the US average. While petty crime is a consideration, the city is generally safe for day-to-day activities.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Charleston, South Carolina, is generally a safe destination for travelers. The city's official government advisories from Canada and the UK recommend exercising normal security precautions, aligning with its strong performance in institutional and governance indicators. While the composite safety index is high, it's important for visitors to remain aware of their surroundings.
On the ground, the risk of violent crime like robbery is considered low, with a homicide rate comparable to the national average in the United States. However, pickpocketing and bag-snatching are a moderate concern, particularly in popular and crowded tourist areas within the historic downtown district. Visitors should take standard precautions to protect their belongings.
Recent reports from January 2026 indicate local authorities in North Charleston are focusing on crime reduction, suggesting ongoing efforts to maintain public safety. While there have been some politically motivated protests in Charleston in early 2026, these do not appear to pose a direct risk to tourists. Travelers should be aware of the high summer temperatures in July, which can reach highs around 37°C, and take appropriate measures to stay hydrated and avoid heat-related illnesses.
To ensure a safe trip, travelers are advised to maintain general vigilance, especially in busy tourist spots and after dark. Keeping valuables secure and out of sight is a key preventative measure against opportunistic theft. While the city is safe, exercising common sense and being aware of your environment will contribute to a positive and secure travel experience.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Charleston districts for visitors: 4 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Charleston safety map.
Cannonborough/ElliotboroughcautionUp-and-coming area with a mix of residential and commercial; some petty crime reported, exercise caution at night.
North CharlestoncautionMixed area; while some parts are safe and experiencing growth, crime reduction efforts are ongoing, so stay aware.
Historic DistrictsaferGenerally safe and well-policed, popular with tourists.
South of BroadsaferAffluent and historic area, very safe.
West AshleysaferLargely residential and suburban, considered safe.
Mount PleasantsaferSuburban area across the harbor, generally considered very safe.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
The homicide rate is comparable to the US average, with no specific indications of high armed robbery risk for tourists.
After dark, be most careful around Cannonborough/Elliotborough, North Charleston. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Charleston's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Charleston is a safe city for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal security precautions. Charleston presents a low risk for visitors, with strong institutional indicators and low rates of violent crime compared to the US average. While petty crime is a consideration, the city is generally safe for day-to-day activities. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Charleston ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 80/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: charleston.json (CC BY 4.0).