Capitol Heights Neighborhood, Columbia

Crime Rate & Statistics

F

Very high crime — well above the national average across categories

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 197 / 300 High
Violent Crime 197
97% above national avg
Property Crime 123
23% above national avg

Is Capitol Heights Safe?

Capitol Heights in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of F. The overall crime index is 197, which is 97% above the national average of 100.

Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Capitol Heights is 63% 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: 198, 98% above average), while larceny / theft is the lowest risk (index: 0). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.

Capitol Heights has elevated crime levels. Prospective residents should weigh these statistics against other factors like affordability and proximity to work. Visitors should stay alert, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables secured.

Highest Risk
Murder · Index 198 (98% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 0 (100% below avg)

Capitol Heights 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
198 +98% High
Assault
196 +96% High
Robbery
194 +94% High
Rape
198 +98% High
Property Crime
Burglary
171 +71% High
Larceny / Theft
0 -100% Low
Vehicle Theft
198 +98% High

How Capitol Heights Compares

Crime index by category: Capitol Heights vs Columbia average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Capitol Heights 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

Capitol Heights Demographics & Context

Population
172
Median Income
$18,529
Home Value
$66,443
Median Age
21
Pop. Density
4,739/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 9.7%
Graduate Degree 0.8%

Housing

9%
91%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 0.9%
Black 96.9%
Hispanic 1%
Asian 0%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Capitol Heights, Columbia?

Capitol Heights in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of F as of 2026. The overall crime index is 197, which is 97% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Capitol Heights is 63% higher.

Is Capitol Heights a safe neighborhood in Columbia?

Capitol Heights has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of F. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Murder (index: 198), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 0).

How does Capitol Heights compare to the rest of Columbia?

Capitol Heights's overall crime index is 197, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Capitol Heights is 63% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 197, and for property crime it is 123. 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 Capitol Heights?

The most prevalent crime type in Capitol Heights is Murder, with a crime index of 198 (98% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Capitol Heights?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Belvedere and Prescott Terrace. These areas are close to Capitol Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Capitol Heights?

Capitol Heights has a population of approximately 172. The median household income is $18,529. The median home value is $66,443. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Capitol Heights crime compare to the national average?

Capitol Heights's overall crime rate is 97% above the national average (index 197 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 March 2026.