Is Columbia or Lexington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lexington is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 50/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,684 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 58% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lexington has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 5.7x 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
Lexington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Lexington, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Lexington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 1,683.8 | +2,318.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 118.3 | +651.6 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 0.0 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 7.9 | +53.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 0.0 | +108.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 110.4 | +479.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 1,565.5 | +1,667.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 94.6 | +402.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 1,372.3 | +984.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 98.6 | +280.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Lexington safer?
Lexington is safer with a total crime rate of 1,684 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Lexington has 118.3. Lexington 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 Lexington, SC
Lexington, South Carolina, a town within the Columbia metropolitan area, boasts a rich history dating back to its colonial roots. Situated near Lake Murray, it is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 25,359, Lexington has a total crime rate of 1,683.8 per 100,000 residents.