Columbus, GA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Columbus, GA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Columbus is 28.3% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Columbus, there were 1292 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 630 per 100,000 individuals, 70.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 4819 property crimes, amounting to 2351 per 100,000 residents, 20.3% higher than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Columbus?

AreaVibes surveyed 235 local residents in Columbus to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 18% of people answered that there was very little crime in Columbus and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 82% 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 Columbus a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Columbus, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Columbus presents a total crime rate that is 28% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Columbus experiences an average of 16.74 daily crimes, comprising 3.54 violent incidents and 13.2 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Potential Causes for Crime in Columbus

In Columbus, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Columbus crime rates.

In Columbus, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.9 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

In Columbus, the average rental rates are $925 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Columbus crime map