Is Columbus or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pittsburgh is safer than Columbus (Safety Score 24/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100,000 versus 2,844 for Columbus — 5% lower. Columbus has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Columbus has a 59% lower rate.
Columbus — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus, GA
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbus | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,843.9 | 2,708.6 | +135.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 608.3 | 428.5 | +179.8 |
| Murder Rate | 12.9 | 11.4 | +1.6 |
| Rape Rate | 25.4 | 51.7 | -26.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.7 | 124.2 | -73.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.8 | 239.9 | +274.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,235.6 | 2,280.1 | -44.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 353.6 | 232.7 | +120.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,635.8 | 1,704.4 | -68.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 246.2 | 343.0 | -96.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or Pittsburgh safer?
Pittsburgh is safer with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100K vs 2,844 for Columbus — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 608.3 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains where three rivers meet, Pittsburgh is a city of bridges and former steel mills. Its rich industrial past shaped its distinct neighborhoods and resilient, diverse population. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 317,177, Pittsburgh has a total crime rate of 2,708.6 per 100,000 residents.