Columbia, MO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Columbia, MO

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Columbia crime rate is 32.8% 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 Columbia, there were 603 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 472 per 100,000 individuals, 27.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Columbia recorded 3343 property crimes, amounting to 2615 per 100,000 residents, 33.8% higher than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Columbia?

AreaVibes surveyed 90 local residents in Columbia to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 32% of people answered that there was very little crime in Columbia and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 68% 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.

Is Columbia a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Columbia, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Columbia presents a total crime rate that is 33% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Columbia experiences an average of 10.81 daily crimes, comprising 1.65 violent incidents and 9.16 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 Columbia Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Columbia. 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 Columbia has increased by 4.6%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 3.2%, while property crime has increased by 6.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Columbia.

Potential Causes for Crime in Columbia

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Columbia crime rate. The poverty level in Columbia is 20.2%, while the national average is 15.1%.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Columbia, the cost of living is 3.2% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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 Columbia, the average monthly rent stands at $890, while the national average is $949 per month.

Columbia crime map