| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Columbus/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 39 | n/a (estimate) | 1,022 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 26.2 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 26.2 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 104.8 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 157 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 131.1 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 25 | n/a | 655.3 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 78.6 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 33 | n/a (estimate) | 865 | 2,041 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Columbus is 51.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes reported in Columbus, equivalent to 157 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 56.2%. Additionally, Columbus recorded 33 property crimes, amounting to 865 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 50.9%.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Columbus stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Columbus, a total of 1 murders were reported, equating to 26 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
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 52% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.11 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.09 daily property crimes) in Columbus.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Columbus crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Columbus has decreased by 45.1% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 57.1% and property crime has decreased by 42.1%.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Columbus currently has an unemployment rate of 0.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
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 $291,460, compared to a national average of $326,622.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Columbus are $1,046, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Columbus | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Texas /100K | National /100K |
| Texas | 95,281 | 443 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Eagle Lake, TX | 3,882 | 227 | 623 | 850 |
| Weimar, TX | 2,921 | 367 | 917 | 1,284 |
| Fayetteville, TX | 290 | 334 | 1,753 | 2,087 |
| Columbus, TX | 3,776 | 157 | 865 | 1,022 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Louisburg, NC | 3,778 | 359 | 5,509 | 5,868 |
| Zelienople, PA | 3,778 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hamilton, NY | 3,778 | 239 | 1,080 | 1,319 |
| Key Center, WA | 3,773 | 105 | 794 | 899 |
| Turners Falls, MA | 3,779 | 193 | 682 | 875 |
| Columbus, TX | 3,776 | 157 | 865 | 1,022 |
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