Violent
Property
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Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI 2024 crime data, West Columbia, SC has a Safety Score of 3/100 — higher crime than 97% of US cities — with a total crime rate of 5,185.3 per 100,000 residents, ranking #2,871 of 2,971 US cities and #36 of 40 in South Carolina.
Safety Score
Violent Crime Rate
Property Crime Rate
Is West Columbia, South Carolina Safe?
West Columbia, SC, nestled along the Congaree River, was once known for its thriving textile mills. This city in Lexington County is home to a diverse population, reflecting its historical growth and ongoing development.
West Columbia has a safety score of 3/100 (High Crime). Based on FBI data for 2024, the city reported a total crime rate of 5,185.3 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 2,752.3 per 100,000.
West Columbia ranks #36 out of 40 cities in South Carolina and #2871 out of 2971 nationally (safest first). This places it in the 3rd percentile for safety — with higher crime than 97% of US cities.
The most elevated crime category in West Columbia is murder, at 16.1 per 100K — 2.6x the national average.
Year over year, West Columbia's total crime rate increased by 0.6%, with violent crime rising 15.1%.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
West Columbia Crime Statistics Breakdown (2024)
| Crime Type | Incidents | Rate per 100K | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 139 | 747.7 | 473.3 |
| Murder | 3 | 16.1 | 6.2 |
| Rape | 9 | 48.4 | 43.4 |
| Robbery | 14 | 75.3 | 93.0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 113 | 607.8 | 330.0 |
| Property Crime | 825 | 4,437.6 | 2,279.1 |
| Burglary | 69 | 371.2 | 287.8 |
| Larceny-Theft | 690 | 3,711.5 | 1,638.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 66 | 355.0 | 352.4 |
| Arson | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
West Columbia vs South Carolina Average
How does West Columbia's crime rate compare to the South Carolina state average?
| Metric | West Columbia | South Carolina Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime Rate | 747.7 | 493.6 | +51.5% |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,437.6 | 2,669.0 | +66.3% |
| Murder Rate | 16.1 | 8.0 | +100.7% |
| Total Crime Rate | 5,185.3 | 3,162.7 | +64.0% |
West Columbia Crime Rate Trends
Year-over-year crime rate changes for West Columbia, South Carolina.
| Year | Coverage | Total Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 18,591 | 5,185.3 | 747.7 | 4,437.6 |
| 2023 | 17,707 | 5,156.2 | 649.5 | 4,506.7 |
| 2022 | 17,581 | 6,279.5 | 733.8 | 5,545.8 |
| 2021 | 18,257 | 6,189.4 | 728.5 | 5,460.9 |
| 2020 | 18,143 | 8,813.3 | 782.7 | 8,030.7 |
| 2019 | 17,986 | 7,372.4 | 706.1 | 6,666.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Columbia, South Carolina safe?
West Columbia has a safety score of 3/100, meaning it has less crime than about 3% of US cities in our FBI dataset. With a total crime rate of 5,185.3 per 100,000 residents in 2024, West Columbia is among the highest-crime US cities.
What is the crime rate in West Columbia, South Carolina?
According to FBI data for 2024, West Columbia has a violent crime rate of 747.7 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 4,437.6 per 100,000 residents.
How does West Columbia compare to the national average?
West Columbia's total crime rate of 5,185.3 per 100,000 can be compared to the national average. The data covers 18,591 residents.
What types of crime are most common in West Columbia?
Based on FBI 2024 data, the most reported crimes in West Columbia include larceny-theft, aggravated assault, and burglary. Property crime is generally more common than violent crime.
Is West Columbia safe to visit?
Like any city, West Columbia has areas that are safer than others. The city's overall safety score is 3/100 based on FBI crime data. Standard travel precautions are recommended.