Is Columbus or Decatur Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Decatur is safer than Columbus (Safety Score 30/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 2,401 per 100,000 versus 2,844 for Columbus — 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.
Columbus — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Decatur — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus, GA
Decatur, GA
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 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or Decatur safer?
Decatur is safer with a total crime rate of 2,401 per 100K vs 2,844 for Columbus — 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 30/100 and a population coverage of 24,112, Decatur has a total crime rate of 2,401.3 per 100,000 residents.