Preston Hills Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
Average crime levels — comparable to the national average
Safety at a Glance
Is Preston Hills Safe?
Preston Hills in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of C. The overall crime index is 172, which is 72% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Preston Hills is 38% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 185, 85% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 66). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Preston Hills has a moderate crime profile. While many residents feel comfortable here, it's worth being aware of your surroundings and reviewing the specific crime categories below to understand which risks are most relevant.
Preston 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
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Assault
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Rape
|
66 | -34% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
185 | +85% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
162 | +62% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
151 | +51% | High | |
How Preston Hills Compares
Crime index by category: Preston Hills vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Preston Hills Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Preston Hills Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Preston Hills, Columbia?
Preston Hills in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime index is 172, which is 72% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Preston Hills is 38% higher.
Is Preston Hills a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
Preston Hills has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 185), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 66).
How does Preston Hills compare to the rest of Columbia?
Preston Hills's overall crime index is 172, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Preston Hills is 38% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 131, and for property crime it is 166. 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 Preston Hills?
The most prevalent crime type in Preston Hills is Burglary, with a crime index of 185 (85% 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 Preston Hills?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Thorn Tree, Broad River Corridor, Columbiana Ridge and Earlewood. These areas are close to Preston Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Preston Hills?
Preston Hills has a population of approximately 70. The median household income is $47,799. The median home value is $150,461. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Preston Hills crime compare to the national average?
Preston Hills's overall crime rate is 72% above the national average (index 172 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.