Highland Park Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — exercise caution, especially at night
Safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Columbia
Safety at a Glance
Is Highland Park Safe?
Highland Park in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of D-. The overall crime index is 177, which is 77% above the national average of 100. Highland Park is safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Highland Park is 43% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 92).
Highland Park 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.
Highland Park 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
|
174 | +74% | High | |
|
Assault
|
173 | +73% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
183 | +83% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
164 | +64% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
170 | +70% | High | |
How Highland Park Compares
Crime index by category: Highland Park vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Highland Park Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Highland Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Highland Park, Columbia?
Highland Park in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 177, which is 77% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Highland Park is 43% higher. Highland Park is safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Is Highland Park a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
Highland Park has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Rape (index: 183), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 92).
How does Highland Park compare to the rest of Columbia?
Highland Park's overall crime index is 177, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Highland Park is 43% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 156, and for property crime it is 147. 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 Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Highland Park is Rape, with a crime index of 183 (83% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Highland Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fairworld Acres / Harlem Heights, Prescott Terrace, Belvedere and North Columbia. These areas are close to Highland Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Highland Park?
Highland Park has a population of approximately 205. The median household income is $49,126. The median home value is $143,897. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Highland Park crime compare to the national average?
Highland Park's overall crime rate is 77% above the national average (index 177 vs 100). Within Columbia, it is safer than 18% 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.