The Highlands 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 The Highlands Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. The Highlands in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 7, which is 93% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), The Highlands is 127% 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, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 38, 62% below average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 7).
The Highlands 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
|
7 | -93% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
14 | -86% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
27 | -73% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
24 | -76% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
9 | -91% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
34 | -66% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
38 | -62% | Low | |
How The Highlands Compares
Crime index by category: The Highlands vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
The Highlands Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
The Highlands Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in The Highlands, Columbia?
The Highlands in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 7, which is 93% below the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in The Highlands is 127% lower.
Is The Highlands a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
The Highlands is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 38), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 7).
How does The Highlands compare to the rest of Columbia?
The Highlands's overall crime index is 7, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in The Highlands is 127% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 18, and for property crime it is 27. 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 The Highlands?
The most prevalent crime type in The Highlands is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 38 (62% below 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 The Highlands?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Oakbrook Village, North Columbia, Fairworld Acres / Harlem Heights and Prescott Terrace. These areas are close to The Highlands and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of The Highlands?
The Highlands has a population of approximately 256. The median household income is $145,362. The median home value is $225,859. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does The Highlands crime compare to the national average?
The Highlands's overall crime rate is 93% below the national average (index 7 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.