Is Canton or Columbus Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Canton is safer than Columbus (Safety Score 77/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 930 per 100,000 versus 2,844 for Columbus — 67% lower. Canton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Canton has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Columbus is 5.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Canton — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Canton, GA
Columbus, GA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Canton | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 929.5 | 2,843.9 | -1,914.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 170.7 | 608.3 | -437.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 12.9 | -12.9 |
| Rape Rate | 18.4 | 25.4 | -7.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 5.3 | 50.7 | -45.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 147.0 | 514.8 | -367.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 758.8 | 2,235.6 | -1,476.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 52.5 | 353.6 | -301.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 685.3 | 1,635.8 | -950.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 21.0 | 246.2 | -225.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canton or Columbus safer?
Canton is safer with a total crime rate of 930 per 100K vs 2,844 for Columbus — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Canton has a violent crime rate of 170.7 per 100K while Columbus has 608.3. Canton has lower violent crime.
About Canton, GA
Canton, Georgia, originally an agrarian community, serves as the seat of Cherokee County. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it has experienced significant population growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 77/100 and a population coverage of 38,085, Canton has a total crime rate of 929.5 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.