Martin Luther King Neighborhood, Columbia

Crime Rate & Statistics

D+

Elevated crime — noticeably above the national average

Safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Columbia

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 191 / 300 High
Violent Crime 187
87% above national avg
Property Crime 120
20% above national avg
City Ranking
27%
safer than other
Columbia neighborhoods

Is Martin Luther King Safe?

Martin Luther King in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of D+. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average of 100. Martin Luther King is safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Columbia.

Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Martin Luther King is 57% 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: 194, 94% above average), while larceny / theft is the lowest risk (index: 0). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.

Martin Luther King 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.

Highest Risk
Murder · Index 194 (94% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 0 (100% below avg)

Martin Luther King 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
194 +94% High
Assault
186 +86% High
Robbery
186 +86% High
Rape
180 +80% High
Property Crime
Burglary
171 +71% High
Larceny / Theft
0 -100% Low
Vehicle Theft
189 +89% High

How Martin Luther King Compares

Crime index by category: Martin Luther King vs Columbia average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Martin Luther King 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

Martin Luther King Demographics & Context

Population
1,311
Median Income
$29,222
Home Value
$148,607
Median Age
39
Pop. Density
4,022/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 12.5%
Graduate Degree 18.3%

Housing

30%
70%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 39.4%
Black 54.5%
Hispanic 2.1%
Asian 3.5%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Lyon Street Index: 196
F
Old Shandon Index: 186
B-
Waverly Index: 103
B+
University Hills Index: 164
A-
Melrose Heights Index: 142
B+
Wales Garden Index: 136
A-
Forest Hills Index: 29
A+
Wheeler Hill Index: 121
A
Martin Luther King 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 Martin Luther King, Columbia?

Martin Luther King in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Martin Luther King is 57% higher. Martin Luther King is safer than 27% of neighborhoods in Columbia.

Is Martin Luther King a safe neighborhood in Columbia?

Martin Luther King has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Murder (index: 194), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 0).

How does Martin Luther King compare to the rest of Columbia?

Martin Luther King's overall crime index is 191, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Martin Luther King is 57% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 187, and for property crime it is 120. 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 Martin Luther King?

The most prevalent crime type in Martin Luther King is Murder, with a crime index of 194 (94% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Martin Luther King?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Old Shandon, Waverly, University Hills and Melrose Heights. These areas are close to Martin Luther King and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Martin Luther King?

Martin Luther King has a population of approximately 1,311. The median household income is $29,222. The median home value is $148,607. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Martin Luther King crime compare to the national average?

Martin Luther King's overall crime rate is 91% above the national average (index 191 vs 100). Within Columbia, it is safer than 27% 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.