D+
12%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
11%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
12%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleColumbia Heights/100k peopleMinnesota/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime591n/a (estimate)2,6062,2472,324
Murder0n/a0.03.26.3
Rape12n/a52.940.740.0
Robbery14n/a61.757.066.1
Assault67n/a295.4179.7268.2
Violent crime93n/a (estimate)410281370
Burglary42n/a185.2214.2269.8
Theft387n/a1,706.21,464.81,401.9
Vehicle theft69n/a304.2287.9282.7
Property crime498n/a (estimate)2,1961,9671,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Columbia Heights, MN

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Columbia Heights is 12.1% 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 Columbia Heights, there were 93 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 410 per 100,000 individuals, 10.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 498 property crimes, amounting to 2196 per 100,000 residents, 12.3% higher than the U.S. average.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Columbia Heights per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Columbia Heights crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Columbia Heights has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 410 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

Columbia Heights showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Columbia Heights has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 2196 property crimes in Columbia Heights, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Columbia Heights?

What do the local residents think about crime in Columbia Heights? Well, based on a recent survey of 12 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 50% of Columbia Heights residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 50% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Columbia Heights a Safe Place to Live?

Is Columbia Heights 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 Heights has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 12%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.62 daily incidents, encompassing 0.25 violent crimes and 1.36 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Columbia Heights as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Columbia Heights Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Columbia Heights. 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 Heights has increased by 13%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 12.1%, while property crime has increased by 13.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Columbia Heights.

Potential Causes for Crime in Columbia Heights

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Columbia Heights currently has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Heights, the cost of living is 2.04% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Columbia Heights, there are 1.67 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Columbia Heights crime map



The Columbia Heights crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Columbia Heights as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Columbia Heights crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Columbia Heights crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Columbia Heights crime rates are 12% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Columbia Heights are 11% higher than the national average
  • In Columbia Heights you have a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Columbia Heights is safer than 23% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Columbia Heights has increased by 6%

Columbia Heights, MN Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Columbia Heights (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Columbia Heights, Minnesota is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Columbia Heights are 1.16 times more than the Minnesota average and 1.12 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Columbia Heights are 1.46 times more than than Minnesota and 1.11 times more than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Columbia Heights are 1.12 times more than than Minnesota and 1.12 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Columbia Heights (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Columbia Heights, Minnesota compared to other areas of Minnesota, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Columbia Heights safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Columbia Heights is safer than 9% of Minnesota cities, and 23% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Minnesota, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Columbia Heights. At this time, Columbia Heights sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Columbia Heights

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Columbia Heights is 1 in 244
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Columbia Heights is 1 in 46
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Columbia Heights is 1 in 39
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Columbia Heights? In Columbia Heights, you have a 1 in 244 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 46. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Columbia Heights, MN is 1 in 39.

        Year Over Year Crime In Columbia Heights (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Columbia Heights is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Columbia Heights has increased by 5% and the rate of property crime in Columbia Heights has increased by 6%. The total crime rate in Columbia Heights has increased by 6% year to year.

        Columbia Heights police department

        Item Columbia Heights Minnesota National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)337,759558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.71.83.3
        There are a total of 33 Columbia Heights police officers. This results in 1.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 7.3% less than the Minnesota average and 48.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Minnesota

        State Total offenders Minnesota /100K National /100K
        Minnesota1,28326266
        There are a total of 1,283 sex offenders in Minnesota. This yields a total of 26 sex offenders in Minnesota per 100,000 residents which is 90% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Dellwood, MN1,29539276316
        Deephaven, MN3,90427504531
        North Oaks, MN5,24473511584
        Dayton, MN6,25822639661
        Ramsey, MN27,20170714784
        Columbus, MN4,109113793906
        Pine Springs, MN440114795908
        Columbia Heights, MN20,2474102,1962,606

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Rosamond, CA20,2557303,4224,152
        American Canyon, CA20,2563501,8172,167
        Tukwila, WA20,26577319,99320,766
        Pleasantville, NJ20,2262181,0051,223
        Agoura Hills, CA20,2691651,3151,480
        Columbia Heights, MN20,2474102,1962,606
        Source: The Columbia Heights, MN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.