Columbia, South Carolina
Data sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer
Date all data was sourced: 01/08/2026
How safe is Columbia, SC
But if you live in Columbia, South Carolina, or are planning on moving to the area, it’s important to know about crime in the area. Our analysis of FBI data shows that reported cases of burglary were on the increase between 2022 and 2023. Read on to learn more about the Columbia SC crime rate and the different types of property crime affecting the city.
01.
What is property crime?
The FBI categorizes property crime as including burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. It defines these as ‘theft-type offenses’, i.e. property stolen from a victim unlawfully but without force or threat of force. The FBI categorizes robbery as a violent crime, but it’s also included in the property crime dataset we’re utilizing.
Before we get to Columbia, what’s happening at state level?
| Crime | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary / breaking entering | 19,345 | 17,624 | 15,533 |
| Larceny / theft offenses | 90,809 | 88,224 | 80,888 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 13,342 | 13,951 | 11,869 |
Data sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer
As you can see, reported cases of burglary decreased by 2,065 between 2023 and 2024, while cases of larceny decreased by 7,336. Motor vehicle theft, meanwhile, decreased by 2,082 over the 12-month period.
Burglary
Burglary is the unlawful entry to someone’s property to commit a felony or theft. This generally happens in someone’s home or on business premises.
Reported burglary cases
Reported cases of burglary reached 647 in Columbia in 2023, compared with 718 cases in 2024. This is a year-on-year increase of 65.
The Columbia crime rate for burglary in 2023 was 447 per 100,000 people. This compares with 496 per 100,000 people in 2024.
Larceny
Larceny is illegally taking, moving, or carrying away someone else's property without permission. Though if being taken from someone’s home the person must have entered lawfully.
Reported larceny cases
Reported cases of larceny reached 3,612 in Columbia in 2023, compared with 3,426 cases in 2024. This is a year-on-year decrease of 193.
The Columbia crime rate for larceny in 2023 was 2,495 per 100,000 people. This compares with 2,366 per 100,000 people in 2024.
Motor vehicle theft
Motor vehicle theft is stealing or attempting to steal a motor vehicle, such as an automobile or pickup.
Reported motor vehicle theft cases
Reported cases of motor vehicle theft reached 674 in Columbia in 2023, compared with 548 cases in 2024. This is a year-on-year decrease of 127.
The Columbia crime rate for motor vehicle theft in 2023 was 466 per 100,000 people. This compares with 378 per 100,000 people in 2024.
Robbery
Robbery is the taking of, or trying to take, something valuable from another person using force, threats, or intimidation.
Reported robbery cases
Reported cases of robbery reached 152 in Columbia in 2023, compared with 155 cases in 2024. This is a year-on-year increase of 5.
The Columbia crime rate for robbery in 2023 was 105 per 100,000 people. This compares with 107 per 100,000 people in 2024.
Between March 2020 and December 2023, we can see a total of:
15,459
total larcenies in Columbia
Data sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer
5,568
accounted for auto
4,946
accounted for other
3,094
accounted for shoplifting
1,527
accounted for auto accessories
6
accounted from buildings
271
accounted from bicycles
When it comes to burglary during that same three-year period, we can see a total of:
2,641
cases of burglary in Columbia
Data sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer
948
happened at residences during the day
817
happened at residences at night
270
happened at non-residences during the day
606
happened at non-residences at night
The impact of being a victim in property crime
In fact, the medical journal Sage Choice published data that suggested people can be left with emotional trauma after their properties are burgled. Furthermore, a study by Portsmouth University in the UK found that one in ten people actually move after their house has been burgled. However, sadly, many people across Columbia and South Carolina are still affected by these crimes.
How is property crime affecting people in Columbia?
So, just how common are certain types of property crime in the city, and is Columbia, SC safe? We compared FBI data between 2022 and 2023 to see whether crime rates are rising or falling.
02.
How Columbia Police Department is Working to Prevent Property Crime
Want to know more about Columbia crime news and general police safety measures to tackle crime in your neighborhood? We’ve grouped some some recent initiatives from the Columbia Police.
Crime Prevention Unit
The City of Columbia Police Department is currently working to tackle crime in the community with several initiatives. Their Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) has introduced measures including:
Officer Friendly program
This is a national program that aims to better acquaint children and young people with their local police force. It helps to improve community relations between people and police officers, resulting in better cooperation.
McGruff the Crime Dog program
McGruff the Crime Dog is a character created to help children better understand and protect themselves from crime. The police department uses McGruff to host events at community centers and schools to help build awareness of certain crimes from a young age.
National Night Out Kick-Off
National Night Outs are annual, community-organized events that focus on public safety, crime and violence across the city. Not only do they help bring the community together; they encourage further citizen participation in helping to tackle local crime.
03.
How does Columbia’s crime rate compare to other cities in South Carolina?
To give you an idea of how Columbia stacks up against other cities across the state, we’ve compiled the data for the different types of property crime in 2023.
| City | Population | Burglary | Larceny | Motor Vehicle Theft | Robbery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 144,788 | 718 | 3,426 | 548 | 155 |
| Greenville | 74,371 | 1,047 | 5,221 | 738 | 140 |
| Charleston | 157,665 | 219 | 2,602 | 356 | 68 |
| Myrtle Beach | 40,535 | 185 | 1,980 | 162 | 27 |
Populations data: United States Census Bureau
Data sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer
- Dan Hochstaetter, Head of Digital Customer Experience, CPI Security
04.
Emergency Services in Columbia
Columbia Police Department
W.H. Holbrook
05.
How to protect your home against property crime
More crime data
South Carolina
Tennessee
Georgia
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 9/30/2025 | All crime data statistics updated |
| 01/08/2026 | All crime data statistics updated |
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