Is Bismarck or Columbia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbia is safer than Bismarck (Safety Score 25/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 2,667 per 100,000 versus 2,678 for Bismarck — 0% lower. Bismarck has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bismarck has a 87% lower rate.
Bismarck — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bismarck, ND
Columbia, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bismarck | Columbia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,677.8 | 2,666.6 | +11.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 278.0 | 349.1 | -71.1 |
| Murder Rate | 1.3 | 10.0 | -8.7 |
| Rape Rate | 45.0 | 38.4 | +6.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.9 | 39.9 | +21.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 170.8 | 259.3 | -88.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,399.9 | 2,317.5 | +82.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 247.5 | 332.9 | -85.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,922.0 | 1,605.6 | +316.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 230.3 | 379.0 | -148.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bismarck or Columbia safer?
Columbia is safer with a total crime rate of 2,667 per 100K vs 2,678 for Bismarck — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bismarck has a violent crime rate of 278.0 per 100K while Columbia has 349.1. Bismarck has lower violent crime.
About Bismarck, ND
Bismarck, North Dakota, the state capital, sits on the east bank of the Missouri River. Named for German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, it's a regional hub with a growing population of over 70,000. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 75,546, Bismarck has a total crime rate of 2,677.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Columbia, MO
Columbia, home to the University of Missouri, is a vibrant college town in central Missouri's Boone County. Its "District" area features historic buildings and local businesses, reflecting its growth as a regional hub. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 130,354, Columbia has a total crime rate of 2,666.6 per 100,000 residents.