21046 Zip Code, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe zip code — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 67% of zip codes in Columbia
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Columbia
Is 21046 a Safe Zip Code?
Yes — this zip code is safe. Zip code 21046 in Columbia, MD has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 100, which is 0% below the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 67% of zip codes in Columbia.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 127), zip code 21046 is 27% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 130, 30% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 75).
21046 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
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
93 | -7% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
109 | +9% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
75 | -25% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
How 21046 Compares
Crime index by category: 21046 vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
21046 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
21046 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Columbia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 21046, Columbia?
Zip code 21046 in Columbia, MD has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 100, which is 0% below the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Zip code 21046 is 27% lower. Zip code 21046 is safer than 67% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Is Zip code 21046 a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
Zip code 21046 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 130), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 75). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Columbia.
How does Zip code 21046 compare to the rest of Columbia?
Zip code 21046's overall crime index is 100, compared to the Columbia average of 127. This means crime in Zip code 21046 is 27% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 101, and for property crime it is 108. 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 Zip code 21046?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 21046 is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 130 (30% 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 Zip code 21046?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 21044 and 21045. These areas are close to Zip code 21046 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 21046?
Zip code 21046 has a population of approximately 16,734. The median household income is $140,378. The median home value is $459,915. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 21046 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 21046's overall crime rate is 0% below the national average (index 100 vs 100). Within Columbia, it is safer than 67% of neighborhoods. 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.