Is Columbia Borough or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbia Borough is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 32/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 2,326 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 14% lower. Columbia Borough has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Columbia Borough has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 30.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Columbia Borough — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia Borough, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia Borough | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,326.5 | 2,708.6 | -382.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 296.8 | 428.5 | -131.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 11.4 | -11.4 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 51.7 | -51.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 38.3 | 124.2 | -85.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 258.5 | 239.9 | +18.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,029.7 | 2,280.1 | -250.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 153.2 | 232.7 | -79.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,732.9 | 1,704.4 | +28.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 143.6 | 343.0 | -199.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia Borough or Pittsburgh safer?
Columbia Borough is safer with a total crime rate of 2,326 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia Borough has a violent crime rate of 296.8 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Columbia Borough has lower violent crime.
About Columbia Borough, PA
Columbia Borough, settled along the Susquehanna River, boasts a rich industrial past as a key railroad town. This diverse community of over 10,000 residents lies in Lancaster County, known for its scenic beauty. With a safety score of 32/100 and a population coverage of 10,445, Columbia Borough has a total crime rate of 2,326.5 per 100,000 residents.
About Pittsburgh, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains where three rivers meet, Pittsburgh is a city of bridges and former steel mills. Its rich industrial past shaped its distinct neighborhoods and resilient, diverse population. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 317,177, Pittsburgh has a total crime rate of 2,708.6 per 100,000 residents.