Available 24/7
Columbia, SC, reported 1,113 incidents of violent crime in 2024. Of the five largest cities in South Carolina, Columbia ranks second for the most incidents of violent crime.
Whether or not Columbia is safe depends on the neighborhood and how you look at statistics. While Columbia, SC, receives thousands of crime reports each year, the Columbia Police Department reported a 9% decrease in serious crime in 2024 as compared to 2023.
Our experienced Columbia criminal defense lawyers break down the statistics below.
Columbia Crime Rate Overview: How Does It Compare to Other Cities?
Among the top five cities in South Carolina, Columbia ranks first in the total number of violent incidents reported, with 1,113 in 2024. But the city ranks second for violent incidents reported per 100,000 population.
South Carolina Crime Statistics – Five Largest Cities, by Population
| City | Population (2024) | Violent Incidents Reported Per 100K Population | Total Violent Incidents Reported |
| Columbia | 144,559 | 700 | 1,113 |
| Charleston | 156,898 | 358 | 561 |
| North Charleston | 123,511 | 811 | 1,002 |
| Mount Pleasant | 96,608 | 128 | 124 |
| Rock Hill | 75,975 | 442 | 336 |
The rate of violent incidents reported per population is approximately double in Columbia as compared to Charleston. Compared to Mount Pleasant, there are approximately 5.5 times as many violent incidents reported in Columbia. These statistics are troubling.
About half of the violent crimes in Columbia are solved.
Most Common Crimes Reported in Columbia, SC
The most common crimes reported in Columbia, SC, are property crimes. Property crimes include:
- Larceny
- Burglary
- Motor vehicle theft
- Arson
In Columbia, 82% of reported crimes are property crimes.
Dangerous Areas in Columbia: What the Data Says
Gun violence in Columbia is concentrated in a small part of the city. Three percent of the land area of the city experiences 40% of gun violence. Areas of blight and abandoned buildings correlate with gun violence.
Crimes are concentrated in certain parts of the city, including Ripplemeyer Avenue, Farmview Street, North Pointe Estates, and the 5 Points area.
Blythewood, Forest Acres, Irmo, Lexington, and the Seven Oaks areas may be safer neighborhoods overall, according to ExtraSpace Storage.
Measuring whether or not a neighborhood is safe depends on the criteria used.
In its Crime in Columbia, 2024 in Review report, the Columbia Police Department reported that the Pinehurst and Windermere neighborhoods had no shootings. Both neighborhoods reported shootings the year before.
How Property Crime Affects Residents and Businesses
The FBI Crime Data Explorer reports 720 incidents of burglary in Columbia in 2024. Sixty-five percent of burglaries were in homes, while 3.75% were in convenience stores.
In 2024, there were 17 reports of arson in the city, with 13 incidents involving a residence. Three cases of arson occurred in a parking lot or garage. Four instances of arson involved commercial buildings and stores.
Financial and personal losses
Property crime results in financial loss, where victims lose their personal property. Additionally, property crimes lower land values, reduce business traffic, raise insurance premiums, and increase security needs. In addition, crime creates worry and stress for individual victims and for the entire community.
Violent Crime in Columbia
The City of Columbia Police Department reported 51 shootings in 2024. This statistic includes fatal and non-fatal shootings. Twenty-two percent of shooting victims are juveniles.
Assault and aggravated assault
- Columbia reported 1,844 incidents of simple assault in 2024.
- Of these, 55% occurred in a residence while 15% occurred on a highway, road, alley, street, or sidewalk. Ten percent occurred in a parking lot.
- The victim reported the offender as a stranger or other unknown relationship in 10.5% of cases.
- There were 869 victims of aggravated assault in Columbia in 2024 (FBI Crime Data Explorer).
Through September 2025, there have been 766 reports of aggravated assault in Columbia. Fifty-seven percent of offenses occurred in a home. (Data is current through September 2025 and may not be complete for reported time periods.)
Sexual assault and rape
In Columbia, SC, in 2024:
- Law enforcement received 98 reports of rape.
- Fifty-two of these offenses occurred in a home.
- In 36% of rape cases, the offender was a stranger, or the offender’s relationship was not reported.
- Fifty-three percent of rape offenses were committed with a weapon.
Trends and Red Flags
Columbia, SC, law enforcement reported a 40% reduction in gun violence in 2024 compared to 2023. But the statistics are still troubling. Thousands of people are victimized by violent and property crimes in Columbia each year. Each crime victim may suffer physical, emotional, and financial harm. The entire community suffers.
The FBI offers examples of red flags to help the public recognize concerning behavior.
What To Do If You’re a Victim of a Crime in Columbia
If you’re the victim of a crime in Columbia, report it to law enforcement right away. Seek emergency medical attention if necessary. Don’t disturb the crime scene. Take photos of the area, including your injuries, if you’re able.
Write down what you remember about what happened. Don’t assume that you’ll remember details. Write down the names of witnesses and others who may have information.
Save records relating to monetary losses.
Get a copy of the police report.
If the offender is charged, exercise your crime victim’s rights. Notify your insurance company, if applicable.
How a Columbia Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you are charged with a crime, you have the right to representation from a criminal defense lawyer. Shealey Law Firm is a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys. Call or message us now.