Bell Columbia Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safety at a Glance
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in Columbia
Is Bell Columbia Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. Bell Columbia in Columbia, MD has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 127), Bell Columbia is 54% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 180, 80% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 105).
Bell Columbia Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Columbia city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
180 | +80% | High | |
|
Assault
|
168 | +68% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
108 | +8% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
150 | +50% | Moderate | |
How Bell Columbia Compares
Crime index by category: Bell Columbia vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Bell Columbia Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Bell Columbia Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Bell Columbia, Columbia?
Bell Columbia in Columbia, MD has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Bell Columbia is 54% higher.
Is Bell Columbia a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
Bell Columbia has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 180), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 105).
How does Bell Columbia compare to the rest of Columbia?
Bell Columbia's overall crime index is 181, compared to the Columbia average of 127. This means crime in Bell Columbia is 54% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 140, and for property crime it is 146. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Bell Columbia?
The most prevalent crime type in Bell Columbia is Murder, with a crime index of 180 (80% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Bell Columbia?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Harper's Choice, Hickory Ridge, Oakland Mills and Kings Contrivance. These areas are close to Bell Columbia and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Bell Columbia?
Bell Columbia has a population of approximately 239. The median household income is $83,361. The median home value is $181,106. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Bell Columbia crime compare to the national average?
Bell Columbia's overall crime rate is 81% above the national average (index 181 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.