Capitol Heights Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very high crime — well above the national average across categories
Safety at a Glance
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.
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.
Capitol Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
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.