Is Columbia or Rock Hill Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rock Hill is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 23/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,790 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 30% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Rock Hill has a 64% lower rate.
Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rock Hill — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Rock Hill, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Rock Hill | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 2,790.4 | +1,212.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 442.3 | +327.7 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 11.9 | -2.2 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 34.2 | +27.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 39.5 | +69.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 355.4 | +234.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 2,348.1 | +884.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 275.1 | +221.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 1,807.2 | +549.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 265.9 | +113.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Rock Hill safer?
Rock Hill is safer with a total crime rate of 2,790 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Rock Hill has 442.3. Rock Hill 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 Rock Hill, SC
Rock Hill, South Carolina, a city in York County, is known for its textile heritage and as the site of the first sit-ins of the modern Civil Rights Movement. Situated just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, it boasts a population reflecting a diverse mix of long-time residents and newcomers. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 75,975, Rock Hill has a total crime rate of 2,790.4 per 100,000 residents.