Is Columbus or Covington Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbus is safer than Covington (Safety Score 22/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 2,844 per 100,000 versus 4,465 for Covington — 36% lower. Columbus has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Covington has a 48% lower rate.
Note: Columbus is 13.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Columbus — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Covington — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus, GA
Covington, GA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbus | Covington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,843.9 | 4,465.4 | -1,621.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 608.3 | 647.6 | -39.3 |
| Murder Rate | 12.9 | 6.8 | +6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 25.4 | 47.2 | -21.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.7 | 33.7 | +17.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.8 | 559.9 | -45.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,235.6 | 3,817.9 | -1,582.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 353.6 | 364.3 | -10.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,635.8 | 3,102.9 | -1,467.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 246.2 | 350.8 | -104.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or Covington safer?
Columbus is safer with a total crime rate of 2,844 per 100K vs 4,465 for Covington — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 608.3 per 100K while Covington has 647.6. Columbus has lower violent crime.
About Columbus, GA
Columbus, Georgia, a city on the Chattahoochee River, is home to Fort Moore, a major US Army installation. Its population of over 200,000 residents enjoys a vibrant arts scene and a rich industrial heritage. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 201,061, Columbus has a total crime rate of 2,843.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Covington, GA
Covington, Georgia, the "Hollywood of the South," is a city in Newton County known for its historic town square and antebellum architecture. Located about 35 miles east of Atlanta, its population was around 14,000 in 2020. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 14,825, Covington has a total crime rate of 4,465.4 per 100,000 residents.