Is Columbia or Conway Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Conway is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 30/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,419 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 40% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Conway has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 5.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Conway — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Conway, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Conway | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 2,419.4 | +1,583.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 444.6 | +325.3 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 10.3 | -0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 41.4 | +20.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 27.6 | +81.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 365.3 | +224.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 1,974.8 | +1,257.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 103.4 | +393.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 1,757.7 | +599.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 113.7 | +265.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Conway safer?
Conway is safer with a total crime rate of 2,419 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Conway has 444.6. Conway has lower violent crime.
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.
About Conway, SC
Conway, a historic city in Horry County, is one of South Carolina's oldest towns, established in 1732. Situated along the Waccamaw River, it serves as the county seat with a population around 25,000. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 29,015, Conway has a total crime rate of 2,419.4 per 100,000 residents.