Forest Hills Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safer than 95% of neighborhoods in Columbia
Safety at a Glance
Is Forest Hills Safe?
Forest Hills in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 29, which is 71% below the national average of 100. Forest Hills is safer than 95% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Forest Hills is 105% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Columbia as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 90, 10% below average), while larceny / theft is the lowest risk (index: 0).
Overall, Forest Hills is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Forest Hills 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
|
38 | -62% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
52 | -48% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
40 | -60% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
23 | -77% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
41 | -59% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
0 | -100% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
How Forest Hills Compares
Crime index by category: Forest Hills vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Forest Hills Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Forest Hills Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Forest Hills, Columbia?
Forest Hills in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 29, which is 71% below the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Forest Hills is 105% lower. Forest Hills is safer than 95% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Is Forest Hills a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
Forest Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 90), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 0).
How does Forest Hills compare to the rest of Columbia?
Forest Hills's overall crime index is 29, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Forest Hills is 105% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 38, and for property crime it is 44. 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 Forest Hills?
The most prevalent crime type in Forest Hills is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 90 (10% below 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 Forest Hills?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Melrose Heights, Forest Hills North, Old Shandon and Heathwood West. These areas are close to Forest Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Forest Hills?
Forest Hills has a population of approximately 771. The median household income is $158,681. The median home value is $579,616. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Forest Hills crime compare to the national average?
Forest Hills's overall crime rate is 71% below the national average (index 29 vs 100). Within Columbia, it is safer than 95% 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.