Is Columbia or Port Royal Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Port Royal is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 61/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,353 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 66% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Port Royal has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 8.5x 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
Port Royal — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Port Royal, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Port Royal | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 1,352.6 | +2,650.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 129.9 | +640.0 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 0.0 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 35.4 | +26.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 5.9 | +102.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 88.6 | +501.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 1,222.6 | +2,010.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 106.3 | +390.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 1,063.1 | +1,293.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 53.2 | +325.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Port Royal safer?
Port Royal is safer with a total crime rate of 1,353 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Port Royal has 129.9. Port Royal 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 Port Royal, SC
Port Royal, South Carolina, boasts a rich Gullah-Geechee heritage and scenic coastal views. This small Beaufort County town is home to a diverse population, with a significant portion of its residents identifying as African American. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 16,931, Port Royal has a total crime rate of 1,352.6 per 100,000 residents.