| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Columbia/100k people | Kentucky/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 204 | 1,563 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 32.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 20.4 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 61.3 | 139.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 82 | 213 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 193.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3 | n/a | 61.3 | 930.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 61.3 | 226.2 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 123 | 1,350 | 1,760 |
The Columbia crime rates are 90.4% 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 4 violent crimes in Columbia (82 per 100,000 people), which is 77.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 6 property crimes (123 per 100,000 residents) which is 93% lower than average.
With a crime rate of 204, significantly below the national average of 2119, Columbia stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Columbia stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 82 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Columbia secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Columbia reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Columbia, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 123, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
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 90% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.03 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.02 daily property crimes) in Columbia.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Columbia has decreased by 41.2%. 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 increased by 100%, while property crime has decreased by 60%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Columbia is a safe place to live.
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 currently has an unemployment rate of 5.1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Columbia, 62.6% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
Columbia has an average rental rate of $907 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| 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 |
| Jamestown, KY | 2,317 | 0 | 691 | 691 |
| Russell Springs, KY | 2,668 | 106 | 745 | 852 |
| Greensburg, KY | 2,275 | 222 | 1,155 | 1,377 |
| Columbia, KY | 4,905 | 82 | 123 | 204 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hummelstown, PA | 4,905 | 490 | 623 | 1,113 |
| Cheboygan, MI | 4,906 | 226 | 1,888 | 2,114 |
| Carthage, MS | 4,904 | 121 | 785 | 906 |
| Hawaiian Ocean View, HI | 4,903 | 226 | 2,023 | 2,249 |
| East Harwich, MA | 4,903 | 161 | 567 | 727 |
| Columbia, KY | 4,905 | 82 | 123 | 204 |
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