| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Columbia/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,246 | n/a (estimate) | 2,778 | 2,924 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 4.5 | 8.6 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 17 | n/a | 37.9 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 24 | n/a | 53.5 | 67.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 263 | n/a | 586.4 | 507.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 306 | n/a (estimate) | 682 | 622 | 370 |
| Burglary | 121 | n/a | 269.8 | 319.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 708 | n/a | 1,578.5 | 1,620.9 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 111 | n/a | 247.5 | 362.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 940 | n/a (estimate) | 2,096 | 2,302 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Columbia crime rate is 19.5% 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 306 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 682 per 100,000 individuals, 84.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, Columbia recorded 940 property crimes, amounting to 2096 per 100,000 residents, 7.2% higher than the U.S. average.
In the most recent release, Columbia reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Columbia, there were 2096 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Columbia residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 24 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 46% of Columbia residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 54% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Columbia is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Columbia has a total crime rate that is 20% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.41 daily crimes (0.84 violent daily crimes and 2.58 daily property crimes) in Columbia.
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 decreased by 9.6%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 5.5%, while property crime has decreased by 13.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape 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 12.2%, 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 $169,200, compared to a national average of $184,700.
In Columbia, the average rental rates are $908 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.
| Item | Columbia | Tennessee | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 96 | 11,551 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Tennessee /100K | National /100K |
| Tennessee | 24,578 | 412 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Thompson's Station, TN | 6,116 | 118 | 438 | 557 |
| Spring Hill, TN | 41,797 | 105 | 818 | 923 |
| Mount Pleasant, TN | 4,899 | 616 | 1,396 | 2,012 |
| Lewisburg, TN | 12,150 | 529 | 2,014 | 2,544 |
| Summertown, TN | 521 | 795 | 2,941 | 3,735 |
| Columbia, TN | 39,515 | 682 | 2,096 | 2,778 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lake Oswego, OR | 39,476 | 80 | 1,581 | 1,661 |
| Carol Stream, IL | 39,447 | 264 | 1,550 | 1,814 |
| Los Banos, CA | 39,443 | 397 | 2,361 | 2,758 |
| Plant City, FL | 39,437 | 540 | 1,961 | 2,502 |
| Meadow Woods, FL | 39,424 | 320 | 1,936 | 2,256 |
| Columbia, TN | 39,515 | 682 | 2,096 | 2,778 |
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