Is Columbia or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbia is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,003 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 23% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Columbia has a 30% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 10.5x 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
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 5,219.0 | -1,216.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 595.3 | +174.6 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 8.4 | +1.3 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 83.7 | -22.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 108.4 | +0.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 393.7 | +196.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 4,623.6 | -1,391.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 495.6 | +1.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 3,291.8 | -935.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 836.3 | -457.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or San Antonio safer?
Columbia is safer with a total crime rate of 4,003 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.