A+
41%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
100%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
30%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleColumbus/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime14n/a (estimate)1,3732,4692,324
Murder0n/a0.08.16.3
Rape0n/a0.030.540.0
Robbery0n/a0.054.966.1
Assault0n/a0.0311.6268.2
Violent crime0n/a (estimate)0405370
Burglary0n/a0.0370.8269.8
Theft14n/a1,372.61,494.01,401.9
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0199.3282.7
Property crime14n/a (estimate)1,3732,0641,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Columbus, NC

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Columbus crime rate is 41% 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 0 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 0 per 100,000 individuals, 100% lower than the national average. Additionally, Columbus recorded 14 property crimes, amounting to 1373 per 100,000 residents, 29.8% lower than the U.S. average.

In the most recent Columbus crime report, it stands out for its remarkable safety record, reporting zero instances of violent crime. Violent crimes are a pivotal measure of a city's overall safety, and in Columbus, the absence of such incidents highlights just how safe it is. This underscores this area as an urban environment where residents and visitors can enjoy a high level of safety and peace of mind when it comes to violent crime and overall safety.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Columbus 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 United States contends with some of the globe's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, merely a small fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by vehicle theft reports. In this regard, Columbus stands out as one of those cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in its most recent crime report.

Is Columbus a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Columbus a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Columbus crime rate is 41% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.04 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes.

Potential Causes for Crime in Columbus

In Columbus, 70.3% 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.

In Columbus, the cost of living is 8.18% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Columbus, there are 7.03 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Columbus crime map



The Columbus crime map 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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Compare Columbus, NC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Columbus crime rates are 41% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Columbus are 100% lower than the national average
      • In Columbus you have a 1 in 73 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Columbus is safer than 81% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Columbus has decreased by 65%

      Columbus, NC Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Columbus (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Columbus (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Columbus

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Columbus is 0
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Columbus is 1 in 73
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Columbus is 1 in 73

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

        Columbus police department

        Item Columbus North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)714,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents7.04.83.3
        There are a total of 7 Columbus police officers. This results in 7.0 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 47.2% greater than the North Carolina average and 116.1% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in North Carolina

        State Total offenders North Carolina /100K National /100K
        North Carolina26,293320266
        There are a total of 26,293 sex offenders in North Carolina. This yields a total of 320 sex offenders in North Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 20% 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
        Lake Lure, NC1,63457290347
        Flat Rock, NC3,35477393470
        Hoopers Creek, NC1,392126640766
        Edneyville, NC2,7821829301,112
        Barker Heights, NC1,2891899641,153
        Flat Rock CDP, NC1,4352071,0571,264
        Fruitland, NC2,2162321,1841,416
        Columbus, NC1,24001,3731,373

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Rock Island, WA1,2405544,9465,500
        Shelton, NE1,241127850978
        Willow Creek, CA1,2412491,1691,418
        Van Buren, MO1,2415265261,051
        Prospect, OH1,241115697812
        Columbus, NC1,24001,3731,373
        Source: The Columbus, NC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.