Is Albany or Columbus Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Albany is safer than Columbus (Safety Score 30/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 2,432 per 100,000 versus 2,844 for Columbus — 14% lower. Albany has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Columbus has a 50% lower rate.
Note: Columbus is 3.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Albany — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Albany, GA
Columbus, GA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Albany | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,431.7 | 2,843.9 | -412.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 823.7 | 608.3 | +215.4 |
| Murder Rate | 25.7 | 12.9 | +12.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.9 | 25.4 | +33.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 52.9 | 50.7 | +2.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 686.1 | 514.8 | +171.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,608.0 | 2,235.6 | -627.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 205.5 | 353.6 | -148.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,236.2 | 1,635.8 | -399.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 166.2 | 246.2 | -80.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albany or Columbus safer?
Albany is safer with a total crime rate of 2,432 per 100K vs 2,844 for Columbus — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Albany has a violent crime rate of 823.7 per 100K while Columbus has 608.3. Columbus has lower violent crime.
About Albany, GA
Albany, Georgia, founded on the Flint River, is the county seat of Dougherty County. This southwestern Georgia city, birthplace of Ray Charles, has a population of around 70,000. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 66,169, Albany has a total crime rate of 2,431.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Columbus, GA
Columbus, Georgia, a city on the Chattahoochee River, is home to Fort Moore, a major US Army installation. Its population of over 200,000 residents enjoys a vibrant arts scene and a rich industrial heritage. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 201,061, Columbus has a total crime rate of 2,843.9 per 100,000 residents.