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Columbus, GA vs Decatur, GA Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Columbus crime rate · Decatur crime rate

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Is Columbus, GA or Decatur, GA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Decatur, GA is safer than Columbus, GA (Safety Score 31/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 2,401 per 100,000 versus 2,844 for Columbus, GA — 16% lower. Columbus has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in murder, where Decatur has a 100% lower rate.

Note: Columbus is 8.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.

Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Columbus, GA?

Columbus — 4-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Increasing Property Increasing Total

Decatur — 4-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Increasing Property Increasing Total

Columbus, GA

Columbus, GA
Safety Score 22/100
Coverage 201,061
Total Crime Rate 2,843.9
Category Wins 3/7

Decatur, GA

Decatur, GA
Safety Score 31/100
Coverage 24,112
Total Crime Rate 2,401.3
Category Wins 4/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Columbus Decatur Difference
Total Crime Rate 2,843.9 2,401.3 +442.6
Violent Crime Rate 608.3 132.7 +475.6
Murder Rate 12.9 0.0 +12.9
Rape Rate 25.4 12.4 +12.9
Robbery Rate 50.7 62.2 -11.5
Aggravated Assault Rate 514.8 58.1 +456.7
Property Crime Rate 2,235.6 2,268.6 -32.9
Burglary Rate 353.6 277.9 +75.8
Larceny-Theft Rate 1,635.8 1,783.3 -147.5
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 246.2 207.4 +38.8

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Columbus, GA to Decatur, GA?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Columbus or Decatur safer?

Decatur, GA is safer with a total crime rate of 2,401 per 100K vs 2,844 for Columbus, GA — a 16% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Columbus has a violent crime rate of 608.3 per 100K while Decatur has 132.7. Decatur 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 Decatur, GA

Decatur, a tree-lined city and the county seat of DeKalb, is known for its vibrant town square and independent businesses. It's home to Agnes Scott College, a historic women's college, and boasts a highly educated population, with a significant percentage holding graduate degrees. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 24,112, Decatur has a total crime rate of 2,401.3 per 100,000 residents.

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