Is Columbia or Summerville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Summerville is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 40/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,990 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 50% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Summerville has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 2.8x 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
Summerville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Summerville, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Summerville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 1,990.5 | +2,012.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 222.4 | +547.5 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 3.8 | +5.8 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 17.3 | +44.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 21.1 | +87.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 180.3 | +409.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 1,768.0 | +1,464.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 97.8 | +398.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 1,545.6 | +811.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 124.7 | +254.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Summerville safer?
Summerville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,990 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Summerville has 222.4. Summerville 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 Summerville, SC
Summerville, the "Flowertown in the World," is a historic town in Dorchester County, South Carolina. Known for its picturesque downtown and abundant azaleas, it lies approximately 25 miles northwest of Charleston, drawing residents seeking a suburban lifestyle. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 52,148, Summerville has a total crime rate of 1,990.5 per 100,000 residents.