East Lake Neighborhood, Columbia

Crime Rate & Statistics

C-

Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average

Safer than 32% of neighborhoods in Columbia

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High

Low 176 / 300 High

Violent Crime 137

37% above national avg

Property Crime 144

44% above national avg

City Ranking

32%

safer than other

Columbia neighborhoods

Is East Lake Safe?

East Lake in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average of 100. East Lake is safer than 32% of neighborhoods in Columbia.

Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), East Lake is 42% 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: 176, 76% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 103).

East Lake has a moderate crime profile. While many residents feel comfortable here, it's worth being aware of your surroundings and reviewing the specific crime categories below to understand which risks are most relevant.

Highest Risk

Murder · Index 176 (76% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Rape · Index 103 (3% above avg)

East Lake Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Columbia city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Columbia	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	176	+76%	+46%	High
Assault	143	+43%	-5%	Moderate
Robbery	125	+25%	+29%	Moderate
Rape	103	+3%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	115	+15%	-9%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	161	+61%	+141%	High
Vehicle Theft	155	+55%	+17%	High

How East Lake Compares

Crime index by category: East Lake vs Columbia average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

East Lake 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

East Lake Demographics & Context

Population

290

Median Income

$56,220

Home Value

$162,682

Median Age

Pop. Density

2,008/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 20.4%

Graduate Degree 10.4%

Housing

29%

71%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 22.2%

Black 66.6%

Hispanic 7.2%

Asian 3.6%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Avalon Place Index: 176

C-

Preston Green Index: 176

C-

Heritage / Woods Index: 44

Ellen's Glenn Index: 44

Ashewood Index: 180

South Meadowfield Index: 41

Village Pond Index: 50

Meadowfield Index: 44

East Lake Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Columbia Crime Statistics

View all Columbia neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in East Lake, Columbia?

East Lake in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in East Lake is 42% higher. East Lake is safer than 32% of neighborhoods in Columbia.

Is East Lake a safe neighborhood in Columbia?

East Lake has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 176), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 103).

How does East Lake compare to the rest of Columbia?

East Lake's overall crime index is 176, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in East Lake is 42% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 137, and for property crime it is 144. 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 East Lake?

The most prevalent crime type in East Lake is Murder, with a crime index of 176 (76% 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 East Lake?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Heritage / Woods, Ellen's Glenn, South Meadowfield and Village Pond. These areas are close to East Lake and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of East Lake?

East Lake has a population of approximately 290. The median household income is $56,220. The median home value is $162,682. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does East Lake crime compare to the national average?

East Lake's overall crime rate is 76% above the national average (index 176 vs 100). Within Columbia, it is safer than 32% 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 March 2026.