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Columbia, WA Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 1317 people in Columbia.

  • Columbia's violent crime rate is lower than the national average. It stands at 0.76 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Columbia's property crime rate is lower than the national average. It is recorded at 18.47 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    by | Sep 24, 2024

    Understanding the safety of a community is of utmost importance, whether you are considering relocation, permanent or temporary residence, work, or even just a visit. Here, we will delve deep into the crime data of Columbia, shedding light on the city’s crime rate and providing valuable insights to assist you in making informed decisions.

    Columbia, like any other city in Washington, experiences various types of criminal activities. In order to gain a better understanding of the city’s crime landscape, it is helpful to categorize the offenses into three main categories: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Columbia, WA. This information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Columbia Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number3730
    Rate per 10000.7618.470

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Columbia. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

    Columbia’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

    Columbia has a lower violent crime rate compared to both Washington and the national average. In Columbia, the rate of violent crimes is 0.76 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Washington it is 3.54 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Columbia vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rates in Columbia compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Columbia in relation to the broader national landscape.

    Columbia’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number00210
    Rate per 1000000.510.250
    Population3,952

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number23,195145,750939,092207,61636,890
    Rate per 10000.070.442.830.630.11
    Population331,889,360

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Columbia

    • There are no murder crimes reported in Columbia.
    • On the other hand, The city reports no incidents of rape crimes.
    • The assault crime rate of the city stands at 0.51, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.83 by 82%.
    • Robbery is not a significant concern in Columbia, with a crime rate of 0.25, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.63 by 60%.
    • There are no kidnapping crimes reported in The city.

    Columbia’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

    Columbia has a lower property crime rate compared to both Washington and the national average. In Columbia, the rate of property crimes is 18.47 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Washington it is 42.31 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Columbia vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Columbia compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

    Columbia’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number1801903060
    Rate per 10004.5504.8107.591.520
    Population3,952

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number898,48727,9171,307,22912,2704,630,773888,618187,853
    Rate per 10002.720.083.940.0413.952.680.87
    Population331,889,360

    Insights into Property Crimes in Columbia

    • Columbia experiences a burglary crime rate of 4.55, which is higher than the national average of 2.72 by 67%.
    • There are no arson crimes reported.
    • Vandalism is a significant concern in Columbia, with a crime rate of 4.81, which is higher than the national average of 3.94 by 22%.
    • There are no blackmail crimes reported.
    • Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 7.59 in Columbia, which is lower than the national average of 13.95 by 46%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the city has a rate of 1.52, which is lower than the national average of 2.68 by 43%.
    • The city has no reported incidents of identity theft.

    Columbia’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number0000
    Rate per 10000000
    Population3,952

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number1,290,858267,95511,56516,497
    Rate per 10003.890.810.040.05
    Population331,889,360

    Insights into Other Crimes in Columbia

    • Drug offenses are not a significant concern in Columbia, with a rate of 0, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.89 by 100%.
    • There are no weapon law violations reported in the city.

    Conclusion

    When examining the crime rates of Columbia, it is evident that the city’s violent crime landscape doesn’t pose significant challenges.. Similarly, in the realm of property crimes, challenges arise from specific offenses surpassing the national average. These include burglary crimes.

    Explore cities like Grant, WA, which have a similar violent crime rate to Columbia. Also, explore places with a similar property crime rate like Barboursville, WV.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.