Columbia, SC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Columbia, SC

The Columbia crime rates are 48.6% 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 825 violent crimes in Columbia (599 per 100,000 people), which is 61.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 3934 property crimes (2856 per 100,000 residents) which is 46.1% higher than average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Columbia?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Columbia. Based on the results of the surveys (149 responses), 23% of people felt that there was very little crime in Columbia and felt safe walking alone at night. While 77% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Columbia a Safe Place to Live?

Is Columbia 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, Columbia has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 49%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 13.04 daily incidents, encompassing 2.26 violent crimes and 10.78 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Columbia as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Columbia Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Columbia has decreased by 26.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Columbia, 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 decreased by 14.5%, while property crime has decreased by 28.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Columbia is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Columbia

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Columbia crime rates. In Columbia, the poverty rate stands at 22.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Columbia is $186,000, compared to a national average of $184,700.

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 Columbia are $956, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Columbia crime map