Is Columbia or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Phoenix is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 17/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 22% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Columbia has a 40% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 11.5x 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
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 3,125.4 | +877.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 800.0 | -30.1 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 8.4 | +1.3 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 64.3 | -2.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 181.6 | -73.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 545.3 | +44.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 2,325.3 | +907.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 317.2 | +179.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 1,582.1 | +774.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 426.0 | -47.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Phoenix safer?
Phoenix is safer with a total crime rate of 3,125 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Columbia 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 Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.