Is Columbia or Sumter Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbia is safer than Sumter (Safety Score 8/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 4,003 per 100,000 versus 4,804 for Sumter — 17% lower. Columbia has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Columbia has a 59% lower rate.
Note: Columbia is 3.4x 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
Sumter — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Sumter, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Sumter | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 4,803.7 | -801.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 1,097.5 | -327.6 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 23.5 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 23.5 | +38.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 65.8 | +42.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 984.7 | -394.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 3,706.1 | -473.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 340.8 | +155.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 2,874.2 | -517.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 491.2 | -112.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Sumter safer?
Columbia is safer with a total crime rate of 4,003 per 100K vs 4,804 for Sumter — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Sumter has 1,097.5. Columbia 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 Sumter, SC
Sumter, SC, known for Shaw Air Force Base, is a mid-sized city in the heart of South Carolina. It boasts a diverse population of over 40,000 residents. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 42,551, Sumter has a total crime rate of 4,803.7 per 100,000 residents.