Is Columbus or Fairburn Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fairburn is safer than Columbus (Safety Score 68/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 1,144 per 100,000 versus 2,844 for Columbus — 60% lower. Columbus has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Fairburn has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Columbus is 12.0x 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
Fairburn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus, GA
Fairburn, GA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbus | Fairburn | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,843.9 | 1,144.0 | +1,700.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 608.3 | 101.3 | +507.0 |
| Murder Rate | 12.9 | 6.0 | +7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 25.4 | 0.0 | +25.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.7 | 17.9 | +32.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.8 | 77.5 | +437.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,235.6 | 1,042.7 | +1,193.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 353.6 | 160.9 | +192.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,635.8 | 726.9 | +908.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 246.2 | 154.9 | +91.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or Fairburn safer?
Fairburn is safer with a total crime rate of 1,144 per 100K vs 2,844 for Columbus — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 608.3 per 100K while Fairburn has 101.3. Fairburn 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 Fairburn, GA
Fairburn, Georgia, a city in Fulton County, was historically a railroad town. It retains a small-town feel despite its proximity to Atlanta, with a growing and diverse population. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 16,784, Fairburn has a total crime rate of 1,144.0 per 100,000 residents.