| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Columbus/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 42 | n/a (estimate) | 2,189 | 2,041 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 59.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 19.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 260.6 | 342.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 261 | 424 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 52.1 | 167.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 33 | n/a | 1,719.7 | 1,286.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 156.3 | 164.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 37 | n/a (estimate) | 1,928 | 1,617 | 1,760 |
The Columbus crime rates are 3.3% 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 5 violent crimes in Columbus (261 per 100,000 people), which is 27.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 37 property crimes (1928 per 100,000 residents) which is 9.5% higher than average.
In terms of the total Columbus crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Columbus, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
During the most recently reported crime year, Columbus experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Columbus exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1928 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.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Columbus residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 6 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 50% 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, 50% 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 3% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.12 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.1 daily property crimes) in Columbus.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Columbus. 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 Columbus has increased by 7.7%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 28.6%, while property crime has increased by 15.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Columbus.
Columbus has a poverty rate that stands at 6.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Columbus crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
In Columbus, the cost of living is 2.26% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Columbus has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
| Item | Columbus | Montana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 5 | 872 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | n/a | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Montana /100K | National /100K |
| Montana | 2,923 | 291 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Absarokee, MT | 1,080 | 114 | 434 | 548 |
| Joliet, MT | 655 | 484 | 1,844 | 2,328 |
| Reed Point, MT | 254 | 561 | 2,140 | 2,701 |
| Columbus, MT | 2,032 | 261 | 1,928 | 2,189 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bristol, NH | 2,032 | 122 | 2,158 | 2,280 |
| Ridgely, MD | 2,031 | 198 | 967 | 1,165 |
| Three Forks, MT | 2,033 | 133 | 507 | 640 |
| Parma, ID | 2,031 | 277 | 415 | 692 |
| Munising, MI | 2,033 | 179 | 569 | 748 |
| Columbus, MT | 2,032 | 261 | 1,928 | 2,189 |
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