C-
18%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
11%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
24%
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 peopleColumbia Heights/100k peopleMinnesota/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime585n/a (estimate)2,5061,8632,119
Murder0n/a0.02.95.0
Rape16n/a68.536.837.5
Robbery17n/a72.848.960.6
Assault42n/a179.9168.0256.1
Violent crime75n/a (estimate)321257359
Burglary40n/a171.4184.7229.2
Theft366n/a1,568.11,208.51,272.1
Vehicle theft104n/a445.6213.1258.8
Property crime510n/a (estimate)2,1851,6061,760

Columbia Heights crime map

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The Columbia Heights crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Columbia Heights 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 Columbia Heights crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Columbia Heights 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 Columbia Heights, MN

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 Columbia Heights is 18.3% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 75 violent crimes reported in Columbia Heights, equivalent to 321 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 10.5%. Additionally, Columbia Heights recorded 510 property crimes, amounting to 2185 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 24.1%.

When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Columbia Heights maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 321 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 359. This alignment suggests that Columbia Heights shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Columbia Heights 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.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Columbia Heights is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Columbia Heights reported a total of 104 vehicle thefts, resulting in 446 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 225, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Columbia Heights?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Columbia Heights residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 12 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 50% of Columbia Heights 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.

Is Columbia Heights a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Columbia Heights 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, Columbia Heights has an overall crime rate that is 18% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.6 daily occurrences, comprising 0.21 violent crimes and 1.4 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Columbia Heights as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Columbia Heights Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Columbia Heights has increased by 11.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Columbia Heights, 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 9.6%, while property crime has increased by 15.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Columbia Heights is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Columbia Heights

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. Columbia Heights currently has an unemployment rate of 4%, 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.

Columbia Heights has a population density of 6202.8 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Columbia Heights crime rates.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Columbia Heights has a median home price of $351,908, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Compare Columbia Heights, MN Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Columbia Heights crime rates are 18% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Columbia Heights are 11% lower than the national average
      • In Columbia Heights you have a 1 in 40 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Columbia Heights is safer than 24% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Columbia Heights has increased by 23%

      Columbia Heights, MN Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Columbia Heights

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        Daily Crime In Columbia Heights (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Columbia Heights, Minnesota is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Columbia Heights are 1.35 times more than the Minnesota average and 1.18 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Columbia Heights are 1.25 times more than than Minnesota and 1.12 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Columbia Heights are 1.36 times more than than Minnesota and 1.24 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Columbia Heights (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Columbia Heights, Minnesota compared to other areas of Minnesota, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Columbia Heights safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Columbia Heights is safer than 9% of Minnesota cities, and 24% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Minnesota, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Columbia Heights. At this time, Columbia Heights sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Columbia Heights

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Columbia Heights is 1 in 312
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Columbia Heights is 1 in 46
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Columbia Heights is 1 in 40
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Columbia Heights? In Columbia Heights, you have a 1 in 312 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 46. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Columbia Heights, MN is 1 in 40.

        Year Over Year Crime In Columbia Heights (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Columbia Heights is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Columbia Heights has increased by 1% and the rate of property crime in Columbia Heights has increased by 27%. The total crime rate in Columbia Heights has increased by 23% year to year.

        Columbia Heights police department

        Item Columbia Heights Minnesota National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)337,759558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.71.83.3
        There are a total of 33 Columbia Heights police officers. This results in 1.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 7.3% less than the Minnesota average and 48.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Minnesota

        State Total offenders Minnesota /100K National /100K
        Minnesota1,28326266
        There are a total of 1,283 sex offenders in Minnesota. This yields a total of 26 sex offenders in Minnesota per 100,000 residents which is 90% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Birchwood Village, MN1,09936225261
        Dellwood, MN1,33936225261
        Deephaven, MN4,0460352352
        Dayton, MN6,42318417435
        Ramsey, MN27,74862517580
        North Oaks, MN5,40084522606
        Lauderdale, MN2,70589558648
        Columbia Heights, MN21,0193212,1852,506

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Golden, CO21,0211242,3872,511
        Elko, NV21,0243981,4381,836
        Bayshore Gardens, FL21,0053511,8652,216
        Hammond, LA21,0335502,4292,979
        Northfield, MN21,0041521,3511,502
        Columbia Heights, MN21,0193212,1852,506
        Source: The Columbia Heights, MN 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.