Is Cayce or Columbia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cayce is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,515 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 12% lower. Cayce has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Cayce has a 59% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 10.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cayce — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cayce, SC
Columbia, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cayce | Columbia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,514.8 | 4,002.5 | -487.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 733.8 | 769.9 | -36.2 |
| Murder Rate | 7.3 | 9.7 | -2.3 |
| Rape Rate | 22.0 | 61.6 | -39.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.0 | 108.6 | -64.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 660.4 | 590.1 | +70.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,781.0 | 3,232.6 | -451.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 403.6 | 496.7 | -93.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,893.2 | 2,356.8 | -463.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 484.3 | 379.1 | +105.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cayce or Columbia safer?
Cayce is safer with a total crime rate of 3,515 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cayce has a violent crime rate of 733.8 per 100K while Columbia has 769.9. Cayce has lower violent crime.
About Cayce, SC
Cayce, South Carolina, a city in Lexington County, sits across the Congaree River from Columbia. Once home to the Congaree tribe, it now has a diverse population. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 13,628, Cayce has a total crime rate of 3,514.8 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.