| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Columbia/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 243 | n/a (estimate) | 2,326 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 38.3 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 27 | n/a | 258.5 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 31 | n/a (estimate) | 297 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 16 | n/a | 153.2 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 181 | n/a | 1,732.9 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 15 | n/a | 143.6 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 212 | n/a (estimate) | 2,030 | 1,435 | 1,760 |
The Columbia crime rates are 9.8% higher 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 31 violent crimes in Columbia (297 per 100,000 people), which is 17.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 212 property crimes (2030 per 100,000 residents) which is 15.3% higher than average.
When assessing the overall crime rate in Columbia 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 crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
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.
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 10% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.67 crimes per day - 0.08 violent crimes and 0.58 property crimes.
In Columbia, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.3%, 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 4456.7 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Columbia crime rates.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Columbia, 75.5% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
| Item | Columbia | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 19 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Pennsylvania /100K | National /100K |
| Pennsylvania | 21,558 | 176 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Penryn, PA | 1,085 | 55 | 323 | 378 |
| Lampeter, PA | 1,825 | 56 | 328 | 384 |
| Rothsville, PA | 2,976 | 58 | 335 | 393 |
| Mount Joy, PA | 8,453 | 24 | 407 | 431 |
| Loganville, PA | 1,360 | 64 | 371 | 434 |
| Grantley, PA | 4,408 | 64 | 373 | 437 |
| Lititz, PA | 9,877 | 10 | 438 | 448 |
| Columbia, PA | 10,758 | 297 | 2,030 | 2,326 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| DeForest, WI | 10,758 | 80 | 813 | 893 |
| Liberty Lake, WA | 10,758 | 155 | 1,527 | 1,682 |
| Vernal, UT | 10,754 | 280 | 3,042 | 3,322 |
| Exeter, CA | 10,752 | 315 | 2,006 | 2,321 |
| Silverton, OR | 10,750 | 242 | 1,744 | 1,986 |
| Columbia, PA | 10,758 | 297 | 2,030 | 2,326 |
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