Old Forest Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
Is Old Forest Safe?
Old Forest in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 30, which is 70% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Old Forest is 104% 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, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 122, 22% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 26).
Overall, Old 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.
Old 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
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
58 | -42% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
63 | -37% | Low | |
How Old Forest Compares
Crime index by category: Old Forest vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Old Forest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Old Forest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Old Forest, Columbia?
Old Forest in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 30, which is 70% below the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Old Forest is 104% lower.
Is Old Forest a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
Old Forest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 122), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 26).
How does Old Forest compare to the rest of Columbia?
Old Forest's overall crime index is 30, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Old Forest is 104% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 71, and for property crime it is 81. 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 Old Forest?
The most prevalent crime type in Old Forest is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 122 (22% above 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 Old Forest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Belvedere, Grove Park, Fairworld Acres / Harlem Heights and Prescott Terrace. These areas are close to Old Forest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Old Forest?
Old Forest has a population of approximately 70. The median household income is $102,049. The median home value is $229,833. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Old Forest crime compare to the national average?
Old Forest's overall crime rate is 70% below the national average (index 30 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.