Is Columbia or North Myrtle Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Myrtle Beach is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,583 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 10% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Myrtle Beach has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 7.0x 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 Myrtle Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | North Myrtle Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 3,583.5 | +419.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 360.8 | +409.2 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 0.0 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 57.7 | +3.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 14.4 | +94.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 288.6 | +301.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 3,222.7 | +9.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 216.5 | +280.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 2,770.6 | -413.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 235.7 | +143.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or North Myrtle Beach safer?
North Myrtle Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 3,583 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 10% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while North Myrtle Beach has 360.8. North Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
North Myrtle Beach, SC, a popular tourist destination, is home to the Carolina Shag dance. This coastal city, part of Horry County, boasts a significant seasonal population increase. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 20,790, North Myrtle Beach has a total crime rate of 3,583.5 per 100,000 residents.
More Crime Rate Comparisons
Compare Columbia
Compare North Myrtle Beach
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