| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Columbia/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 18 | n/a (estimate) | 360 | 1,663 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 33.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 38.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 100.1 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 100 | 214 | 370 |
| Burglary | 6 | n/a | 120.1 | 244.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 7 | n/a | 140.1 | 989.8 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 214.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 260 | 1,449 | 1,954 |
The Columbia crime rates are 84.5% lower 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 5 violent crimes in Columbia (100 per 100,000 people), which is 72.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 13 property crimes (260 per 100,000 residents) which is 86.7% lower than average.
Columbia enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 360, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. This distinction firmly establishes Columbia as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
Columbia shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 100 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Columbia an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Columbia registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Columbia records a property crime rate of 260 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1954. This underscores Columbia as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Columbia was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
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 85% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Columbia experiences an average of 0.05 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.04 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
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 5.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 150%, while property crime has increased by 13.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Columbia.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Columbia, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
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, the cost of living is 19.21% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 $606, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| Item | Columbia | Kentucky | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 13 | 5,359 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kentucky /100K | National /100K |
| Kentucky | 9,099 | 222 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Russell Springs, KY | 2,587 | 72 | 431 | 503 |
| Jamestown, KY | 2,242 | 54 | 923 | 977 |
| Greensburg, KY | 2,226 | 315 | 1,036 | 1,351 |
| Columbia, KY | 4,748 | 100 | 260 | 360 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Guerneville, CA | 4,747 | 321 | 1,503 | 1,824 |
| Telford, PA | 4,747 | 152 | 804 | 956 |
| Highlands, NJ | 4,746 | 172 | 258 | 430 |
| West Elmira, NY | 4,745 | 400 | 1,606 | 2,007 |
| Manchester, MD | 4,752 | 420 | 128 | 548 |
| Columbia, KY | 4,748 | 100 | 260 | 360 |
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