B-
4%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
32%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
1%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleColumbus/100k peopleKansas/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime58n/a (estimate)2,0312,3952,119
Murder0n/a0.03.85.0
Rape1n/a35.044.137.5
Robbery0n/a0.030.960.6
Assault6n/a210.1359.9256.1
Violent crime7n/a (estimate)245439359
Burglary7n/a245.1261.6229.2
Theft39n/a1,365.61,458.51,272.1
Vehicle theft5n/a175.1236.3258.8
Property crime51n/a (estimate)1,7861,9561,760

Columbus crime map

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The Columbus crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Columbus as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Columbus crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Columbus crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Columbus, KS

The Columbus crime rates are 4.2% 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 7 violent crimes in Columbus (245 per 100,000 people), which is 31.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 51 property crimes (1786 per 100,000 residents) which is 1.5% higher than average.

The Columbus crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Columbus, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Columbus 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.

Columbus exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1786 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Columbus maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

Is Columbus a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Columbus is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Columbus has an overall crime rate that is 4% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.16 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.14 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Columbus as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Columbus Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Columbus has decreased by 19.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Columbus, 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 decreased by 41.7%, while property crime has decreased by 15%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Columbus is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Columbus

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Columbus crime rates. Columbus registers a population density of 1320 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Columbus, 83% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Columbus, the average monthly rent stands at $725, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

Compare Columbus, KS Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Columbus crime rates are 4% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Columbus are 32% lower than the national average
      • In Columbus you have a 1 in 50 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Columbus is safer than 34% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Columbus has decreased by 18%

      Columbus, KS Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Columbus (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Columbus (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Columbus

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Columbus is 1 in 409
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Columbus is 1 in 57
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Columbus is 1 in 50

        Year Over Year Crime In Columbus (per 100,000 people)

        Columbus police department

        Item Columbus Kansas National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)115,262558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a2.53.3

        Sex offenders in Kansas

        State Total offenders Kansas /100K National /100K
        Kansas9,632349266
        There are a total of 9,632 sex offenders in Kansas. This yields a total of 349 sex offenders in Kansas per 100,000 residents which is 31% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Oswego, KS1,7332059121,116
        Galena, KS2,9626914361,127
        Loma Linda, MO8542239351,158
        Chetopa, KS1,2012341,0441,278
        Baxter Springs, KS4,0572361,7571,993
        Lowell, KS2375232,3282,851
        Waco, MO1595912,4813,072
        Columbus, KS3,1592451,7862,031

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Tybee Island, GA3,16062319381
        Topsfield, MA3,1580255255
        Holiday Shores, IL3,157117693810
        High Bridge, WA3,15762470532
        Lula, GA3,1571779101,087
        Columbus, KS3,1592451,7862,031
        Source: The Columbus, KS crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.