Is Columbia or Mount Pleasant Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mount Pleasant is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 63/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,300 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 68% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mount Pleasant has a 100% lower rate.
Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mount Pleasant — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Mount Pleasant | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 1,300.1 | +2,702.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 128.4 | +641.6 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 0.0 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 14.5 | +47.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 21.7 | +86.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 92.1 | +498.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 1,171.8 | +2,060.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 98.3 | +398.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 999.9 | +1,356.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 73.5 | +305.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Mount Pleasant safer?
Mount Pleasant is safer with a total crime rate of 1,300 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Mount Pleasant has 128.4. Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC, a large suburban town across the Cooper River from Charleston, was originally home to the Sewee people. Today, it's one of South Carolina's fastest-growing municipalities, with a median age of around 40. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 96,608, Mount Pleasant has a total crime rate of 1,300.1 per 100,000 residents.