| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Columbia/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,474 | n/a (estimate) | 2,665 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 13 | n/a | 10.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 50 | n/a | 38.4 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 52 | n/a | 39.9 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 338 | n/a | 259.3 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 453 | n/a (estimate) | 348 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 434 | n/a | 332.9 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,093 | n/a | 1,605.6 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 494 | n/a | 379.0 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,021 | n/a (estimate) | 2,318 | 1,941 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Columbia is 25.8% 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, there were 453 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 348 per 100,000 individuals, 3.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 3021 property crimes, amounting to 2318 per 100,000 residents, 31.7% higher than the U.S. average.
The violent crime rate in Columbia closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 348 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Columbia as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Columbia. Based on the results of the surveys (111 responses), 41% of people felt that there was very little crime in Columbia and felt safe walking alone at night. While 59% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Columbia a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Columbia crime rate is 26% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 9.52 crimes per day - 1.24 violent crimes and 8.28 property crimes.
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 7.9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 27.3%, while property crime has decreased by 4.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Columbia.
In Columbia, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. 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 Columbia crime rates.
Columbia has a population density of 1921 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Columbia crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Columbia, the cost of living is 2.29% lower than the national average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Columbia | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 183 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Missouri /100K | National /100K |
| Missouri | 19,657 | 344 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Prairie Home, MO | 252 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ashland, MO | 4,077 | 197 | 414 | 611 |
| Hallsville, MO | 1,726 | 171 | 719 | 890 |
| Pierpont, MO | 74 | 187 | 784 | 971 |
| Rocheport, MO | 235 | 412 | 1,732 | 2,144 |
| Harrisburg, MO | 349 | 444 | 1,865 | 2,308 |
| Lupus, MO | 23 | 552 | 2,319 | 2,871 |
| Columbia, MO | 125,431 | 348 | 2,318 | 2,665 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hartford, CT | 125,397 | 516 | 2,846 | 3,361 |
| Odessa, TX | 125,590 | 316 | 1,842 | 2,159 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 125,691 | 302 | 1,716 | 2,018 |
| Wilmington, NC | 125,049 | 483 | 3,515 | 3,998 |
| East Los Angeles, CA | 124,794 | 653 | 2,792 | 3,445 |
| Columbia, MO | 125,431 | 348 | 2,318 | 2,665 |
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