Is Columbia or Vancouver Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Vancouver is safer than Columbia (Safety Score 9/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,991 per 100,000 versus 4,003 for Columbia — 0% lower. Columbia has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Vancouver has a 43% lower rate.
Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Vancouver — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbia, SC
Vancouver, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbia | Vancouver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,002.5 | 3,991.0 | +11.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 769.9 | 583.8 | +186.2 |
| Murder Rate | 9.7 | 5.6 | +4.1 |
| Rape Rate | 61.6 | 61.6 | +0.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.6 | 122.1 | -13.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 590.1 | 393.1 | +197.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,232.6 | 3,407.3 | -174.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 496.7 | 469.2 | +27.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,356.8 | 2,341.1 | +15.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 379.1 | 596.9 | -217.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Vancouver safer?
Vancouver is safer with a total crime rate of 3,991 per 100K vs 4,003 for Columbia — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100K while Vancouver has 583.8. Vancouver 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 Vancouver, WA
Vancouver, Washington, across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, is the fourth-largest city in Washington. It was the site of Fort Vancouver, a major 19th-century fur trading post. The city has seen significant growth, with a population over 190,000. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 198,194, Vancouver has a total crime rate of 3,991.0 per 100,000 residents.