Sterling University Neighborhood, Columbia

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 147 / 300 High
Violent Crime 168
68% above national avg
Property Crime 160
60% above national avg

Check a specific address

in Columbia

Is Sterling University Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Sterling University in Columbia, MO has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 147, which is 47% above the national average of 100.

Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 106), Sterling University is 41% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 191, 91% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 125).

Highest Risk
Robbery · Index 191 (91% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 125 (25% above avg)

Sterling University 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
175 +75% High
Assault
133 +33% Moderate
Robbery
191 +91% High
Rape
173 +73% High
Property Crime
Burglary
125 +25% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
183 +83% High
Vehicle Theft
173 +73% High

How Sterling University Compares

Crime index by category: Sterling University vs Columbia average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Sterling University Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Sterling University Demographics & Context

Population
30
Median Income
$37,766
Home Value
$8,373,129
Median Age
23
Pop. Density
1,030/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 40.5%
Graduate Degree 19.9%

Housing

16%
84%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 77%
Black 11.6%
Hispanic 3.9%
Asian 5.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Sterling University, Columbia?

Sterling University in Columbia, MO has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 147, which is 47% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Sterling University is 41% higher.

Is Sterling University a safe neighborhood in Columbia?

Sterling University is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 191), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 125).

How does Sterling University compare to the rest of Columbia?

Sterling University's overall crime index is 147, compared to the Columbia average of 106. This means crime in Sterling University is 41% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 168, and for property crime it is 160. 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 Sterling University?

The most prevalent crime type in Sterling University is Robbery, with a crime index of 191 (91% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Sterling University?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Rockbridge, Meadows, Stadium Heights and Bedford Walk. These areas are close to Sterling University and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Sterling University?

Sterling University has a population of approximately 30. The median household income is $37,766. The median home value is $8,373,129. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Sterling University crime compare to the national average?

Sterling University's overall crime rate is 47% above the national average (index 147 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.