A+
75%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
79%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
74%
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 peopleColumbus/100k peopleWisconsin/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime29n/a (estimate)5351,4332,119
Murder0n/a0.04.25.0
Rape0n/a0.034.837.5
Robbery0n/a0.039.460.6
Assault4n/a73.8200.1256.1
Violent crime4n/a (estimate)74279359
Burglary0n/a0.0117.2229.2
Theft22n/a406.1875.61,272.1
Vehicle theft3n/a55.4161.3258.8
Property crime25n/a (estimate)4611,1541,760

Columbus crime map

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The Columbus crime map by CrimeoMeter 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Columbus, WI

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Columbus crime rate is lower than the national average by 74.7%. Specifically, there were 4 violent crimes in Columbus, equivalent to 74 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 79.4%. Furthermore, Columbus recorded 25 property crimes, amounting to 461 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 73.8%.

Columbus proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 535, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions Columbus as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.

Columbus distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 74 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Columbus among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

Columbus showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Columbus has a property crime rate of 461 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Columbus is a safe place to live.

Is Columbus a Safe Place to Live?

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 75% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.08 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.07 daily property crimes) in Columbus.

Has Crime in Columbus Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Columbus. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Columbus has decreased by 23.7%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 300%, while property crime has decreased by 32.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Columbus.

Potential Causes for Crime in Columbus

Columbus reports an unemployment rate of 1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. 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 Columbus crime rates.

In Columbus, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.59 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Columbus, the average rental rates are $1,197 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

Compare Columbus, WI Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Columbus crime rates are 75% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Columbus are 79% lower than the national average
      • In Columbus you have a 1 in 187 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Columbus is safer than 80% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Columbus has decreased by 11%

      Columbus, WI Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Columbus (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Columbus, Wisconsin is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Columbus are 2.68 times less than the Wisconsin average and 3.96 times less than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Columbus are 3.77 times less than than Wisconsin and 4.86 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Columbus are 2.50 times less than than Wisconsin and 3.81 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Columbus (higher is better)

        Is Columbus safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Wisconsin as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Columbus to other cities in the state and across the country, Columbus is 74% safer than other cities of Wisconsin and 80% safer than other cities in the nation. Columbus has a ranks above average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Columbus

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Columbus is 1 in 1355
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Columbus is 1 in 217
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Columbus is 1 in 187
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Columbus, Wisconsin you have a 1 in 1355 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 217 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 187 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Columbus.

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

        Determining whether Columbus is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Columbus violent crime rates have increased by 35%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 16% year over year. Total crimes for Columbus has decreased by 12% in the same time frame.

        Columbus police department

        Item Columbus Wisconsin National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)139,355558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.62.43.3
        There are a total of 13 Columbus police officers. This results in 2.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 8.6% greater than the Wisconsin average and 20.2% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Wisconsin

        State Total offenders Wisconsin /100K National /100K
        Wisconsin24,983456266
        There are a total of 24,983 sex offenders in Wisconsin. This yields a total of 456 sex offenders in Wisconsin per 100,000 residents which is 71% 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
        Fall River, WI1,81290373463
        Waterloo, WI3,45027465493
        Rio, WI1,07096400496
        Pardeeville, WI2,114114475589
        Randolph, WI1,678117485601
        Marshall, WI4,124129534663
        Beaver Dam, WI16,8841461,1231,269
        Columbus, WI5,26674461535

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Berkeley, IL5,26680618698
        Iowa Falls, IA5,2662011,5681,769
        Worland, WY5,267104667771
        Farmers Loop, AK5,2644861,1481,634
        Homestead Meadows North, TX5,2634322,2662,699
        Columbus, WI5,26674461535
        Source: The Columbus, WI 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.