Columbia vs Independence Crime Comparison
Is Columbia or Independence Safer?
Columbia is the safer city, with a total crime rate 2% lower than Independence based on 2024 FBI data. Columbia has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Independence has a 30% lower rate.
Columbia, SC
Safety Score
27/100
Population
144,559
Total Crime Rate
4,002.5
Category Wins
2/7
Independence, MO
Safety Score
25/100
Population
120,271
Total Crime Rate
4,095.8
Category Wins
5/7
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.