Is Columbia or Forest Acres Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Forest Acres is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 11/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,696 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 8% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Forest Acres has a 62% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 14.0x 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
Forest Acres — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Forest Acres, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Forest Acres | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 3,695.8 | +306.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 291.0 | +478.9 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 9.7 | 0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 38.8 | +22.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 48.5 | +60.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 194.0 | +396.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 3,404.8 | -172.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 213.4 | +283.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 2,968.3 | -611.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 223.1 | +156.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Forest Acres safer?
Forest Acres is safer with a total crime rate of 3,696 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Forest Acres has 291.0. Forest Acres 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 Forest Acres, SC
Forest Acres, a suburb of Columbia, is known for its tree-lined streets and established neighborhoods. Once home to a bustling trolley line, it's now a largely residential area with a population over 10,000. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 10,309, Forest Acres has a total crime rate of 3,695.8 per 100,000 residents.