Is Columbia or Independence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbia is safer than Independence (Safety Score 8/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 4,003 per 100,000 versus 4,096 for Independence — 2% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Independence has a 30% lower rate.
Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Independence — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Independence, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Independence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 4,095.8 | -93.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 572.0 | +197.9 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 9.2 | +0.5 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 89.8 | -28.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 75.7 | +33.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 396.6 | +193.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 3,523.7 | -291.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 407.4 | +89.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 2,301.5 | +55.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 814.8 | -435.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Independence safer?
Columbia is safer with a total crime rate of 4,003 per 100K vs 4,096 for Independence — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Independence has 572.0. Independence 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 Independence, MO
Independence, Missouri, a city of about 120,000 residents, is historically significant as the starting point of the Oregon, Santa Fe, and California Trails. Located just east of Kansas City, it's a prominent suburb with a rich past. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 120,271, Independence has a total crime rate of 4,095.8 per 100,000 residents.