North Central Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Columbia
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Columbia
Is North Central Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. North Central in Columbia, MO has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average of 100. North Central is safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 106), North Central is 85% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 131).
North Central 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
|
182 | +82% | High | |
|
Assault
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
131 | +31% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
143 | +43% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
174 | +74% | High | |
How North Central Compares
Crime index by category: North Central vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
North Central Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
North Central Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in North Central, Columbia?
North Central in Columbia, MO has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in North Central is 85% higher. North Central is safer than 7% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Is North Central a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
North Central has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Assault (index: 183), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 131).
How does North Central compare to the rest of Columbia?
North Central's overall crime index is 191, compared to the Columbia average of 106. This means crime in North Central is 85% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 160, and for property crime it is 156. 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 North Central?
The most prevalent crime type in North Central is Assault, with a crime index of 183 (83% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near North Central?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Benton / Stephens, Worley Street Park, Park Hill and West Ash. These areas are close to North Central and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of North Central?
North Central has a population of approximately 430. The median household income is $26,192. The median home value is $66,368. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does North Central crime compare to the national average?
North Central's overall crime rate is 91% above the national average (index 191 vs 100). Within Columbia, it is safer than 7% 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.