Crime Safety Grade

B-

Columbia, MD Crime Rate

Higher crime than 70% of U.S. cities

Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026

View Crime Map Registered Offenders

Is Columbia Safe?

With an overall crime index of 127, Columbia has a 27% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 214. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Kings Contrivance earning an A- grade while Town Center rates C.

Crime Index Comparison

Columbia
127
Maryland Avg
101
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
127
27% above average
Violent Crime
117
17% above average
Property Crime
121
21% above average
Safe Areas
75%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Columbia

1 in 214

Property crime: 1 in 207

Where Is It Safe in Columbia?

Explore the Interactive Crime Map
See neighborhood-level heatmap
Check Registered Offenders
Search offenders near any address

Columbia Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 41% above avg
Lowest Risk
Burglary · 4% below avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 124 ▲ 24%
Assault Violent 129 ▲ 29%
Robbery Violent 97 ▼ 3%
Burglary Property 96 ▼ 4%
Larceny / Theft Property 141 ▲ 41%
Vehicle Theft Property 127 ▲ 27%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Columbia Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Kings Contrivance A- 110
2 Hickory Ridge B+ 115
3 Owen Brown B+ 121
4 Oakland Mills B 107
5 Long Reach B 114
6 Harper's Choice B- 123
7 Wilde Lake C+ 153
8 Town Center C 170

Columbia Crime by Zip Code

21046
A- Index: 100
21044
B+ Index: 117
21045
B+ Index: 107

Columbia Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
105,412
Median Income
$111,278
Home Value
$385,858
Median Rent
$1,733
Home Ownership
66%

Racial Demographics

White
45.1%
Black
31.3%
Hispanic
9%
Asian
12.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Columbia?
Columbia has an overall crime index of 127, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 75% of neighborhoods in Columbia are rated A or B for safety.
Is Columbia safe to live in?
Columbia has a crime safety grade of B-. Average crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Columbia?
The safest neighborhoods in Columbia based on crime data include Kings Contrivance, Hickory Ridge, Owen Brown, Oakland Mills, and Long Reach. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Columbia crime compare to the national average?
Columbia's overall crime index is 127 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 27% higher than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Washington, DC Baltimore, MD Arlington, VA Alexandria, VA Columbia, MD Germantown, MD Silver Spring, MD Ellicott City, MD Eldersburg, MD Glen Burnie, MD Rockville, MD Gaithersburg, MD Bethesda, MD Dundalk, MD Bowie, MD Towson, MD Aspen Hill, MD Severn, MD Wheaton, MD North Bethesda, MD McLean, VA Potomac, MD Odenton, MD Catonsville, MD

Crime Statistics by State

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