| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Columbus/100k people | Georgia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,709 | n/a (estimate) | 2,839 | 2,001 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 26 | n/a | 12.9 | 6.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 51 | n/a | 25.4 | 32.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 102 | n/a | 50.7 | 40.8 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,035 | n/a | 514.8 | 245.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1,214 | n/a (estimate) | 604 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 711 | n/a | 353.6 | 202.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,289 | n/a | 1,635.8 | 1,247.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 495 | n/a | 246.2 | 224.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 4,495 | n/a (estimate) | 2,236 | 1,675 | 1,760 |
The Columbus crime rates are 34% 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 1214 violent crimes in Columbus (604 per 100,000 people), which is 68.1% higher than the national average and there were a total of 4495 property crimes (2236 per 100,000 residents) which is 27% higher than average.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Columbus stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Columbus, a total of 26 murders were reported, equating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Columbus residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 248 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 19% of Columbus 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, 81% 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 Columbus 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. Columbus has a total crime rate that is 34% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 15.64 daily crimes (3.33 violent daily crimes and 12.32 daily property crimes) in Columbus.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Columbus, 81.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
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 Columbus, the cost of living is 2.66% lower than the national average.
Columbus has an average rental rate of $1,424 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.
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 | Columbus | Georgia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 568 | 11,364 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 4.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Georgia /100K | National /100K |
| Georgia | 23,117 | 275 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ladonia, AL | 3,715 | 204 | 886 | 1,090 |
| Smiths Station, AL | 5,954 | 211 | 916 | 1,127 |
| Cusseta-Chattahoochee County, GA | 10,750 | 398 | 2,047 | 2,445 |
| Phenix City, AL | 37,524 | 778 | 3,471 | 4,248 |
| Columbus, GA | 201,240 | 604 | 2,236 | 2,839 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Little Rock, AR | 202,086 | 1,672 | 5,214 | 6,886 |
| Akron, OH | 203,042 | 820 | 2,955 | 3,775 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 203,094 | 289 | 1,535 | 1,823 |
| Paradise, NV | 199,015 | 424 | 2,317 | 2,741 |
| Tallahassee, FL | 198,879 | 303 | 1,610 | 1,913 |
| Columbus, GA | 201,240 | 604 | 2,236 | 2,839 |
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