A+
33%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
75%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
25%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2023 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2024; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleColumbus/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime17n/a (estimate)1,5362,4562,281
Murder0n/a0.07.95.7
Rape0n/a0.028.238.0
Robbery0n/a0.051.866.5
Assault1n/a90.3303.5264.1
Violent crime1n/a (estimate)90391364
Burglary0n/a0.0355.3250.7
Theft16n/a1,445.31,447.81,347.2
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0261.8318.7
Property crime16n/a (estimate)1,4452,0651,917

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.

Compare Columbus, NC Crime

      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Columbus crime rates are 33% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Columbus are 75% lower than the national average
      • In Columbus you have a 1 in 66 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Columbus is safer than 84% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Columbus has decreased by 61%

      Columbus, NC Crime Quiz

      • 1. Which city in North Carolina has the least crime per 100,000 people?
      • 2. Which city in North Carolina has the most crime per 100,000 people?
      • 3. How many crimes (per 100,000 people) occur in Columbus each year?
      • 4. Is the Columbus crime rate higher or lower than the North Carolina average?
      • 5. Columbus is safer than 94% of all other cities in North Carolina.
       
      1 / 5

      Safest Places to Live in and Around Columbus

      30 km
      20 mi
      See all the best places to live around Columbus
      How would you rate the amount of crime in Columbus?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Columbus?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Columbus poll results

      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 1 in 1108
      The chance of being a victim of property crime in Columbus is 1 in 70
      The chance of being a victim of crime in Columbus is 1 in 66

      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
      Flat Rock, NC3,35474393468
      Edneyville, NC2,782112591703
      Hoopers Creek, NC1,392130689820
      Lake Lure, NC1,63472869941
      Fruitland, NC2,2161931,0201,213
      Flat Rock CDP, NC1,4352001,0571,257
      Dana, NC3,8302061,0861,292
      Columbus, NC1,240901,4451,536

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
      Rock Island, WA1,2401741,4081,582
      Wallace, LA1,240171820991
      Belhaven, NC1,2392861,7162,001
      Morse, LA1,2392611,2531,515
      Sunnyside, GA1,2391749021,077
      Columbus, NC1,240901,4451,536
      Source: The Columbus, NC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2023. 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.