A+
52%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
76%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
47%
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 peopleNebraska/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime249n/a (estimate)1,0121,8472,119
Murder0n/a0.02.15.0
Rape11n/a44.743.537.5
Robbery1n/a4.120.560.6
Assault9n/a36.6154.5256.1
Violent crime21n/a (estimate)85221359
Burglary23n/a93.5155.1229.2
Theft189n/a768.41,218.91,272.1
Vehicle theft16n/a65.1252.6258.8
Property crime228n/a (estimate)9271,6271,760

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, NE

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Columbus crime rate is 52.2% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Columbus, there were 21 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 85 per 100,000 individuals, 76.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, Columbus recorded 228 property crimes, amounting to 927 per 100,000 residents, 47.3% lower than the U.S. average.

Columbus stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 85 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Columbus secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.

Columbus showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Columbus?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Columbus residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 36 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 53% 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, 47% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

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 52% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.68 daily occurrences, comprising 0.06 violent crimes and 0.62 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?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Columbus. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Columbus has increased by 1.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 8.7%, while property crimes have increased by 2.2%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

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 2367.9 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Columbus, the cost of living is 4.52% 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 an average rental rate of $1,131 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.

Compare Columbus, NE Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Columbus crime rates are 52% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Columbus are 76% lower than the national average
      • In Columbus you have a 1 in 99 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Columbus is safer than 69% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Columbus has decreased by 32%

      Columbus, NE Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Columbus (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Columbus, NE per 100,000 people. In Columbus, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.82 times less than the Nebraska average and 2.09 times less than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Columbus is 2.58 times less than the Nebraska average and 4.21 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Columbus has a daily crime rate that is 1.75 times less than the Nebraska average and 1.90 times less than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Columbus (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in Nebraska and all other cities across the US, is Columbus safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that Columbus is safer than 57% of other cities in the state of Nebraska. In addition, Columbus is safer than 69% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all Nebraska and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Columbus. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Columbus is above average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Columbus

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Columbus is 1 in 1172
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Columbus is 1 in 108
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Columbus is 1 in 99
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Columbus? In Columbus, you have a 1 in 1172 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 108. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Columbus, NE is 1 in 99.

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

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Columbus is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Columbus has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have decreased by 21% in Columbus, while property crimes in Columbus have decreased by 33%. Total crime has decreased by 32% year over year.

        Columbus police department

        Item Columbus Nebraska National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)512,523558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.32.13.3
        There are a total of 51 Columbus police officers. This results in 2.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 6.7% greater than the Nebraska average and 30.4% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Nebraska

        State Total offenders Nebraska /100K National /100K
        Nebraska6,070345266
        There are a total of 6,070 sex offenders in Nebraska. This yields a total of 345 sex offenders in Nebraska per 100,000 residents which is 30% 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
        David City, NE2,93388653741
        Lakeview, NE3922231,6491,872
        Tarnov, NE112351,7361,971
        Bellwood, NE4232601,9202,180
        Platte Center, NE3862621,9362,198
        Duncan, NE5022631,9472,211
        Monroe, NE3052681,9792,247
        Columbus, NE24,141859271,012

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Loves Park, IL24,1423561,3811,737
        Stoneham, MA24,138151613764
        Kerrville, TX24,145147581728
        Rolling Meadows, IL24,1291001,2741,374
        Benbrook, TX24,1551191,9722,091
        Columbus, NE24,141859271,012
        Source: The Columbus, NE 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.