University Hills Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 69% of neighborhoods in Columbia
Safety at a Glance
Is University Hills Safe?
University Hills in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 164, which is 64% above the national average of 100. University Hills is safer than 69% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), University Hills is 30% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery 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.
Overall, University Hills 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.
University 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
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Assault
|
171 | +71% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Rape
|
181 | +81% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
0 | -100% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
185 | +85% | High | |
How University Hills Compares
Crime index by category: University Hills vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
University Hills Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
University Hills Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in University Hills, Columbia?
University Hills in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 164, which is 64% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in University Hills is 30% higher. University Hills is safer than 69% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Is University Hills a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
University Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 194), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 0).
How does University Hills compare to the rest of Columbia?
University Hills's overall crime index is 164, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in University Hills is 30% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 183, and for property crime it is 111. 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 University Hills?
The most prevalent crime type in University Hills is Robbery, 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 University Hills?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include University of South Carolina, Wheeler Hill, Wales Garden and Waverly. These areas are close to University Hills and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of University Hills?
University Hills has a population of approximately 2,501. The median household income is $51,854. The median home value is $357,834. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does University Hills crime compare to the national average?
University Hills's overall crime rate is 64% above the national average (index 164 vs 100). Within Columbia, it is safer than 69% 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.