| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Columbus/100k people | Kansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 58 | n/a (estimate) | 2,031 | 2,395 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 35.0 | 44.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 30.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 210.1 | 359.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 245 | 439 | 359 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 245.1 | 261.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 39 | n/a | 1,365.6 | 1,458.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 175.1 | 236.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 51 | n/a (estimate) | 1,786 | 1,956 | 1,760 |

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.
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.
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.
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.
| Item | Columbus | Kansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 5,262 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 2.5 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kansas /100K | National /100K |
| Kansas | 9,632 | 349 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oswego, KS | 1,733 | 205 | 912 | 1,116 |
| Galena, KS | 2,962 | 691 | 436 | 1,127 |
| Loma Linda, MO | 854 | 223 | 935 | 1,158 |
| Chetopa, KS | 1,201 | 234 | 1,044 | 1,278 |
| Baxter Springs, KS | 4,057 | 236 | 1,757 | 1,993 |
| Lowell, KS | 237 | 523 | 2,328 | 2,851 |
| Waco, MO | 159 | 591 | 2,481 | 3,072 |
| Columbus, KS | 3,159 | 245 | 1,786 | 2,031 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Tybee Island, GA | 3,160 | 62 | 319 | 381 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,158 | 0 | 255 | 255 |
| Holiday Shores, IL | 3,157 | 117 | 693 | 810 |
| High Bridge, WA | 3,157 | 62 | 470 | 532 |
| Lula, GA | 3,157 | 177 | 910 | 1,087 |
| Columbus, KS | 3,159 | 245 | 1,786 | 2,031 |