Columbiana, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Columbiana, AL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Columbiana is 445.4% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Columbiana, there were 19 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 437 per 100,000 individuals, 18.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 532 property crimes, amounting to 12238 per 100,000 residents, 526.2% higher than the U.S. average.

In Columbiana, the crime rate stands at 12675 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 445.37%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Columbiana that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

In the latest reported crime year, Columbiana recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Columbiana reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 12238 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 9 chance of falling victim to property crime in Columbiana, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

Is Columbiana a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Columbiana 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, Columbiana has an overall crime rate that is 445% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.51 daily occurrences, comprising 0.05 violent crimes and 1.46 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Columbiana as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Columbiana Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Columbiana. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Columbiana has increased by 211.3%. Violent crimes have decreased by 70.3%, while property crimes have increased by 370.8%. 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 Columbiana

Columbiana has a poverty rate that stands at 12.3, 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 Columbiana 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.

Columbiana reports an unemployment rate of 0.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Columbiana crime rates.

In Columbiana, the average rental rates are $697 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Columbiana crime map