Area Safety Data

2024 reported data

Is Columbia, SC safe? Property crime data

A direct, source-backed look at reported selected property offenses for Columbia using FBI NIBRS and Census population context.

Selected property offense rate 35.53 per 1,000 residents; not a danger score
Population144,133Census 2024 estimate
Selected offenses5,121NIBRS offense records
TrendDecreasing2021,2022,2023,2024

Home-security checklist for Columbia

Start with door and window alarms, then decide if a product is worth opening.

Burglary counts make door hardware, entry sensors, lighting, and routine lock checks more relevant starting points. This keeps the next click closer to a real buying decision instead of a random Amazon visit.

  • Match the biggest local category: larceny/theft.
  • Check doors, windows, package drop zones, lighting, Wi-Fi, and rental limits.
  • Only open Amazon after the guide fits the home layout.

Open Door and window alarms guide View all guides

Entry alerts ยท Recommended Door/window alarm setup Best when doors, windows, garage entries, sheds, or rented spaces are the first weak point. Package camera Package camera setup Best when porch drops, visitor checks, driveway approaches, or vehicle-adjacent visibility matter. No monthly plan No-subscription starter kit Best when you want local alarms, lighting, locks, and cameras before choosing any recurring plan.

Short answer

Columbia reported 35.53 selected property offenses per 1,000 residents in 2024

That rate is #21 by highest rate among 60 validated SC city candidates on this site. The largest selected category here is Larceny/theft. Reported selected property-offense rates decreased by 15.7% from 2021 to 2024.

Compare South Carolina cities

Trend

Decreasing

Reported selected property-offense rates decreased by 15.7% from 2021 to 2024.

-15.7%
2021
42.13
2022
29.81
2023
37.72
2024
35.53

Offense mix

Burglary
720
Larceny/theft
3,812
Motor vehicle theft
561
Arson
28

State comparison

Compare this page with other validated South Carolina candidates. These are city-candidate comparisons, not official statewide rankings.

Higher-rate candidates

Dillon 68.47 / 1,000 Union 66.32 / 1,000 Orangeburg 62.36 / 1,000 Lancaster 62.06 / 1,000

Lower-rate candidates

Tega Cay 3.09 / 1,000 North Augusta 4.15 / 1,000 Fort Mill 6.68 / 1,000 Lyman 8.25 / 1,000

Buyer path

Choose before opening Amazon

Burglary counts make door hardware, entry sensors, lighting, and routine lock checks more relevant starting points. The guide pages keep the product buttons and disclosure together after the setup fits your doors, packages, lighting, Wi-Fi, and budget.

Open recommended guide

Buying guide Door and window alarms for renters Compare simple entry alarms for apartments, rented homes, garages, and windows before moving into heavier systems. Buying guide No-subscription home security starter kit Build a basic home-security setup with local alarms, lighting, locks, and cameras without starting with a monthly plan. Buying guide Package theft camera checklist Check porch visibility, driveway angles, storage, Wi-Fi, and evidence needs before buying a camera for package areas. Buying guide Security camera checklist Evaluate exterior visibility, entry coverage, storage needs, and placement before choosing a camera system. Buying guide Smart lock and entry sensor checklist Start with reliable locks, entry sensors, lighting, and backup access before adding convenience features. Buying guide Basic home-security checklist A balanced setup can cover entries, packages, motion, lighting, and alerts without overbuying.

Quick questions

Short answers help visitors and search systems understand the page without turning the data into a fear claim.

Is Columbia, SC safe?

This page cannot tell you whether Columbia is personally safe for you. It shows 2024 reported selected property-offense data: 35.53 offenses per 1,000 residents, with FBI NIBRS and Census source notes.

What property crime category is largest in Columbia?

The largest selected category in this page is Larceny/theft, based on the visible burglary, larceny/theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson breakdown.

How does Columbia compare with other validated SC city candidates?

Among 60 validated SC city candidates, Columbia ranks #21 by highest selected property-offense rate. The median candidate rate on this state hub is 29.70 per 1,000 residents.

What should I check before buying home-security gear?

Start with the local pattern, your home layout, entry points, lighting, package areas, and whether a door and window alarms checklist fits better than a full monitored system.