Is Columbus or Marietta Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Marietta is safer than Columbus (Safety Score 37/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 2,109 per 100,000 versus 2,844 for Columbus — 26% lower. Columbus has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Marietta has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Columbus is 3.2x 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
Marietta — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus, GA
Marietta, GA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbus | Marietta | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,843.9 | 2,108.8 | +735.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 608.3 | 298.3 | +310.0 |
| Murder Rate | 12.9 | 9.5 | +3.5 |
| Rape Rate | 25.4 | 26.8 | -1.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.7 | 39.5 | +11.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.8 | 222.6 | +292.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,235.6 | 1,810.5 | +425.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 353.6 | 181.5 | +172.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,635.8 | 1,415.9 | +220.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 246.2 | 213.1 | +33.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or Marietta safer?
Marietta is safer with a total crime rate of 2,109 per 100K vs 2,844 for Columbus — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 608.3 per 100K while Marietta has 298.3. Marietta 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 Marietta, GA
Marietta, a county seat in Cobb County, boasts a historic Glover Park at its heart. Situated northwest of Atlanta, it's home to a diverse population of over 60,000 residents. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 63,354, Marietta has a total crime rate of 2,108.8 per 100,000 residents.