Question 1

Is Columbia, South Carolina safe?

Accepted Answer

Columbia crime data is reported monthly by the local police department through the state's NIBRS program. This page shows the latest monthly offense counts, year-over-year trends, and breakdowns by crime type for Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina. Compare violent and property crime rates to evaluate safety.

Question 2

What is the crime rate in Columbia, South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

The crime rate in Columbia is based on monthly offense data reported by the Columbia Police Department. This page breaks down offenses into Group A (assault, burglary, theft, fraud, drugs) and Group B (DUI, disorderly conduct, trespass). View the interactive charts above for current totals and trends.

Question 3

Where does this crime data come from?

Accepted Answer

Crime statistics come from South Carolina's crime reporting program, which collects monthly offense data from local police departments using the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Data is reported by each agency and published through the state.

Question 4

What is the difference between Group A and Group B offenses?

Accepted Answer

Group A offenses are more serious crimes tracked in detail, including assault, burglary, theft, fraud, drug offenses, and weapons violations (22 categories total). Group B offenses include less serious crimes like DUI, disorderly conduct, trespass, and curfew violations, where only arrest data is collected.

Question 5

Why might crime numbers look different from other sources?

Accepted Answer

Different sources use different reporting standards. The FBI transitioned from Summary Reporting (UCR) to NIBRS in 2021, which counts incidents differently. Some agencies may also have reporting gaps or delays. Month-to-month comparisons within the same source are most reliable.

Question 6

How often is this data updated?

Accepted Answer

Crime statistics are refreshed weekly from the state reporting system. Monthly totals may take 30-60 days to finalize as agencies submit and correct their reports. The most recent month shown may have incomplete data.

Columbia, SC

Columbia Crime Rate & Safety

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