A+
73%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
100%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
67%
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 peopleWisconsin/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime35n/a (estimate)6391,6822,324
Murder0n/a0.05.36.3
Rape0n/a0.038.640.0
Robbery0n/a0.039.466.1
Assault0n/a0.0213.7268.2
Violent crime0n/a (estimate)0297370
Burglary0n/a0.0153.7269.8
Theft30n/a547.6981.01,401.9
Vehicle theft5n/a91.3250.3282.7
Property crime35n/a (estimate)6391,3851,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Columbus, WI

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Columbus crime rate is 72.5% 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 35 property crimes, amounting to 639 per 100,000 residents, 67.3% lower than the U.S. average.

Columbus enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 639, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. This distinction firmly establishes Columbus as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.

Columbus reported zero instances of violent crime in the latest crime report, underscoring its exceptional safety profile in this regard. Violent crimes serve as a crucial gauge of a city's overall safety, and the absence of such incidents in Columbus signifies it as a remarkably secure urban environment concerning violent crime.

In the latest reported crime year, Columbus 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.

The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Columbus records a property crime rate of 639 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1954. This underscores Columbus as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.

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 73% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.1 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.1 property crimes.

Has Crime in Columbus Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Columbus. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Columbus has decreased by 7.9%. Violent crimes have decreased by 100%, while property crimes have decreased by 5.4%. 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 Columbus

In Columbus, the current unemployment rate stands at 0.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Columbus crime rates.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Columbus, 92.7% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

In Columbus, the average rental rates are $788 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.

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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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Columbus crime rates are 73% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Columbus are 100% lower than the national average
      • In Columbus you have a 1 in 157 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Columbus is safer than 92% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Columbus has decreased by 14%

      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 2.63 times less than the Wisconsin average and 3.64 times less than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Columbus are equal to than Wisconsin and equal to the national mean. While daily property crimes in Columbus are 2.17 times less than than Wisconsin and 3.06 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 89% safer than other cities of Wisconsin and 92% 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 0
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Columbus is 1 in 157
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Columbus is 1 in 157
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Columbus, Wisconsin you have a 0 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 157 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 157 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 decreased by 100%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 11% year over year. Total crimes for Columbus has decreased by 14% 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, WI1,7551110111
        Waterloo, WI3,334259345604
        Rio, WI1,049119555674
        Pardeeville, WI2,046127591718
        Randolph, WI1,632134626761
        Beaver Dam, WI16,322156684841
        Marshall, WI3,975164766930
        Columbus, WI5,0760639639

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Timber Pines, FL5,0762141,2921,505
        North Fond du Lac, WI5,07692867959
        Mechanicville, NY5,0774271,1441,570
        Vinton, IA5,0752501,1641,414
        Oak Point, TX5,077119635754
        Columbus, WI5,0760639639
        Source: The Columbus, WI 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.