Is Columbus or St. Marys Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, St. Marys is safer than Columbus (Safety Score 59/100 vs 22/100), with a total crime rate of 1,428 per 100,000 versus 2,844 for Columbus — 50% lower. Columbus has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where St. Marys has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Columbus is 10.1x 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
St. Marys — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus, GA
St. Marys, GA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbus | St. Marys | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,843.9 | 1,428.4 | +1,415.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 608.3 | 291.7 | +316.6 |
| Murder Rate | 12.9 | 5.0 | +7.9 |
| Rape Rate | 25.4 | 70.4 | -45.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.7 | 15.1 | +35.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.8 | 201.2 | +313.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,235.6 | 1,136.7 | +1,098.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 353.6 | 95.6 | +258.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,635.8 | 935.5 | +700.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 246.2 | 105.6 | +140.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or St. Marys safer?
St. Marys is safer with a total crime rate of 1,428 per 100K vs 2,844 for Columbus — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 608.3 per 100K while St. Marys has 291.7. St. Marys 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 St. Marys, GA
St. Marys, Georgia, a coastal city and home to the Cumberland Island National Seashore ferry, boasts a rich maritime history as the second oldest city in the county. With a population around 18,000, it's situated near the Florida border along the St. Marys River. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 19,882, St. Marys has a total crime rate of 1,428.4 per 100,000 residents.