Highland Forest Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safety at a Glance
Is Highland Forest Safe?
Highland Forest in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 105, which is 5% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Highland Forest is 29% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 120, 20% above average), while vehicle theft is the lowest risk (index: 23). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Overall, Highland Forest 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.
Highland Forest 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
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
58 | -42% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
66 | -34% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
107 | +7% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
23 | -77% | Low | |
How Highland Forest Compares
Crime index by category: Highland Forest vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Highland Forest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Highland Forest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Highland Forest, Columbia?
Highland Forest in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 105, which is 5% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Highland Forest is 29% lower.
Is Highland Forest a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
Highland Forest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 120), while Vehicle Theft is the lowest risk (index: 23).
How does Highland Forest compare to the rest of Columbia?
Highland Forest's overall crime index is 105, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Highland Forest is 29% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 94, and for property crime it is 65. 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 Highland Forest?
The most prevalent crime type in Highland Forest is Rape, with a crime index of 120 (20% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Highland Forest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include North Columbia, Fairworld Acres / Harlem Heights and Prescott Terrace. These areas are close to Highland Forest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Highland Forest?
Highland Forest has a population of approximately 38. The median household income is $87,838. The median home value is $115,596. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Highland Forest crime compare to the national average?
Highland Forest's overall crime rate is 5% above the national average (index 105 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.