Highland Hills Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
Is Highland Hills Safe?
Highland Hills in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 9, which is 91% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Highland Hills is 125% 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: 69, 31% below average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 10). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, Highland 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.
Highland 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
|
10 | -90% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
16 | -84% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
28 | -72% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
39 | -61% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
36 | -64% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
69 | -31% | Low | |
How Highland Hills Compares
Crime index by category: Highland Hills vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Highland Hills Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Highland Hills Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Highland Hills, Columbia?
Highland Hills in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 9, which is 91% below the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Highland Hills is 125% lower.
Is Highland Hills a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
Highland Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 69), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 10).
How does Highland Hills compare to the rest of Columbia?
Highland Hills's overall crime index is 9, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Highland Hills is 125% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 23, and for property crime it is 56. 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 Hills?
The most prevalent crime type in Highland Hills is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 69 (31% 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 Highland Hills?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Columbiana Ridge, Broad River Corridor, Thorn Tree and Chestnut Hill Plantation. These areas are close to Highland Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Highland Hills?
Highland Hills has a population of approximately 26. The median household income is $117,982. The median home value is $551,825. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Highland Hills crime compare to the national average?
Highland Hills's overall crime rate is 91% below the national average (index 9 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.