| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Columbus/100k people | Nebraska/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 303 | n/a (estimate) | 1,254 | 2,172 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 4.1 | 3.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 49.7 | 55.3 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 29.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 16.6 | 195.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 70 | 283 | 370 |
| Burglary | 21 | n/a | 86.9 | 182.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 239 | n/a | 989.3 | 1,431.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 26 | n/a | 107.6 | 275.0 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 286 | n/a (estimate) | 1,184 | 1,889 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Columbus crime rate is lower than the national average by 46%. Specifically, there were 17 violent crimes in Columbus, equivalent to 70 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 81%. Furthermore, Columbus recorded 286 property crimes, amounting to 1184 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 39.4%.
Columbus stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 70 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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Columbus residents. Out of the respondents (34 in total), 50% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Columbus were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 50% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Columbus a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Columbus has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 46%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.83 daily incidents, encompassing 0.05 violent crimes and 0.78 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Columbus as a potential place to call home.
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 23.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 26.1%, while property crimes have increased by 28.3%. 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.
In Columbus, 84.6% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
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 11.83% lower than the national average.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Columbus is $155,400, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| Item | Columbus | Nebraska | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 51 | 2,523 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Nebraska /100K | National /100K |
| Nebraska | 6,070 | 345 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| David City, NE | 2,824 | 132 | 879 | 1,010 |
| Lakeview, NE | 378 | 199 | 1,327 | 1,526 |
| Duncan, NE | 487 | 337 | 2,247 | 2,583 |
| Platte Center, NE | 378 | 369 | 2,466 | 2,835 |
| Monroe, NE | 299 | 379 | 2,533 | 2,912 |
| Bellwood, NE | 415 | 382 | 2,547 | 2,929 |
| Richland, NE | 95 | 392 | 2,615 | 3,007 |
| Columbus, NE | 23,291 | 70 | 1,184 | 1,254 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rolling Meadows, IL | 23,288 | 158 | 1,467 | 1,625 |
| Fort Hood, TX | 23,302 | 653 | 3,477 | 4,129 |
| Loves Park, IL | 23,274 | 340 | 1,473 | 1,813 |
| Fairfax, VA | 23,312 | 98 | 712 | 811 |
| Auburn, ME | 23,267 | 166 | 2,587 | 2,753 |
| Columbus, NE | 23,291 | 70 | 1,184 | 1,254 |
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