Is Columbia or Simpsonville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Simpsonville is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 22/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,822 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 29% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Simpsonville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 5.0x 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
Simpsonville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Simpsonville, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Simpsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 2,821.9 | +1,180.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 214.2 | +555.8 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 0.0 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 44.9 | +16.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 20.7 | +87.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 148.5 | +441.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 2,607.8 | +624.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 141.6 | +355.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 2,331.5 | +25.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 134.7 | +244.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Simpsonville safer?
Simpsonville is safer with a total crime rate of 2,822 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Simpsonville has 214.2. Simpsonville 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 Simpsonville, SC
Simpsonville, SC, once a railroad town, is a growing suburb in Greenville County. Its proximity to I-385 makes it a convenient location for its diverse population of over 24,000 residents. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 28,952, Simpsonville has a total crime rate of 2,821.9 per 100,000 residents.