Is Bluffton or Columbia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bluffton is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 77/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 944 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 76% lower. Bluffton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Bluffton has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 3.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bluffton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bluffton, SC
Columbia, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bluffton | Columbia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 943.9 | 4,002.5 | -3,058.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 118.7 | 769.9 | -651.3 |
| Murder Rate | 5.3 | 9.7 | -4.4 |
| Rape Rate | 15.8 | 61.6 | -45.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.1 | 108.6 | -87.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 76.5 | 590.1 | -513.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 825.3 | 3,232.6 | -2,407.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 68.6 | 496.7 | -428.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 680.3 | 2,356.8 | -1,676.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 76.5 | 379.1 | -302.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bluffton or Columbia safer?
Bluffton is safer with a total crime rate of 944 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bluffton has a violent crime rate of 118.7 per 100K while Columbia has 769.9. Bluffton has lower violent crime.
About Bluffton, SC
Bluffton, a "Lowcountry" town on the May River, was once a thriving antebellum port. This charming Beaufort County community is known for its distinctive architecture and vibrant arts scene, drawing visitors to its historic district. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 37,927, Bluffton has a total crime rate of 943.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Columbia, SC
Columbia, South Carolina, the state capital, sits at the confluence of the Broad and Saluda Rivers, forming the Congaree. Home to the University of South Carolina, it's a vibrant city with a significant student population. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 144,559, Columbia has a total crime rate of 4,002.5 per 100,000 residents.