Is Columbia or North Augusta Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Augusta is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 94/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 444 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 89% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Augusta has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 5.5x 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
North Augusta — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
North Augusta, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | North Augusta | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 443.6 | +3,559.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 34.1 | +735.8 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 0.0 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 3.8 | +57.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 3.8 | +104.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 26.5 | +563.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 409.5 | +2,823.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 7.6 | +489.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 379.1 | +1,977.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 22.8 | +356.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or North Augusta safer?
North Augusta is safer with a total crime rate of 444 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 89% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while North Augusta has 34.1. North Augusta 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 North Augusta, SC
North Augusta, a historic railroad town in Aiken County, sits on the Savannah River across from Augusta, Georgia. Its charming downtown features brick sidewalks and unique local businesses, reflecting a blend of old Southern charm and modern suburban growth with a population around 25,000. With a safety score of 94/100 and a population coverage of 26,377, North Augusta has a total crime rate of 443.6 per 100,000 residents.