Is Columbia or Fort Mill Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fort Mill is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 86/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 678 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 83% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fort Mill has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 3.9x 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
Fort Mill — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Fort Mill, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Fort Mill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 677.9 | +3,324.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 45.9 | +724.0 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 0.0 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 13.5 | +48.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 8.1 | +100.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 24.3 | +565.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 632.0 | +2,600.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 43.2 | +453.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 553.7 | +1,803.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 35.1 | +344.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Fort Mill safer?
Fort Mill is safer with a total crime rate of 678 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Fort Mill has 45.9. Fort Mill 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 Fort Mill, SC
Fort Mill, SC, once a textile hub, is now a growing suburb south of Charlotte. Its population has surged, and it's home to the Anne Springs Close Greenway. With a safety score of 86/100 and a population coverage of 37,027, Fort Mill has a total crime rate of 677.9 per 100,000 residents.