Sterling Hills Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Columbia
Is Sterling Hills Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Sterling Hills in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 24, which is 76% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Sterling Hills is 110% 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, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 103, 3% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 11). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Sterling 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
|
27 | -73% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
11 | -89% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
36 | -64% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
20 | -80% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
103 | +3% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
49 | -51% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
58 | -42% | Low | |
How Sterling Hills Compares
Crime index by category: Sterling Hills vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Sterling Hills Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Sterling Hills Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Sterling Hills, Columbia?
Sterling Hills in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 24, which is 76% below the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Sterling Hills is 110% lower.
Is Sterling Hills a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
Sterling Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 103), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 11).
How does Sterling Hills compare to the rest of Columbia?
Sterling Hills's overall crime index is 24, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Sterling Hills is 110% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 24, and for property crime it is 70. 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 Sterling Hills?
The most prevalent crime type in Sterling Hills is Burglary, with a crime index of 103 (3% 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 Sterling Hills?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Oakbrook Village, North Columbia, Fairworld Acres / Harlem Heights and Prescott Terrace. These areas are close to Sterling Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Sterling Hills?
Sterling Hills has a population of approximately 287. The median household income is $90,653. The median home value is $177,263. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Sterling Hills crime compare to the national average?
Sterling Hills's overall crime rate is 76% below the national average (index 24 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 April 2026.