University of South Carolina Neighborhood, Columbia
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Columbia
Safety at a Glance
Is University of South Carolina Safe?
University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 46, which is 54% below the national average of 100. University of South Carolina is safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), University of South Carolina is 88% 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, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 175, 75% 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 of South Carolina 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 of South Carolina 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
|
88 | -12% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
175 | +75% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
73 | -27% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
0 | -100% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
How University of South Carolina Compares
Crime index by category: University of South Carolina vs Columbia average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
University of South Carolina Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
University of South Carolina Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in University of South Carolina, Columbia?
University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 46, which is 54% below the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in University of South Carolina is 88% lower. University of South Carolina is safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Columbia.
Is University of South Carolina a safe neighborhood in Columbia?
University of South Carolina is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Rape (index: 175), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 0).
How does University of South Carolina compare to the rest of Columbia?
University of South Carolina's overall crime index is 46, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in University of South Carolina is 88% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 98, and for property crime it is 67. 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 of South Carolina?
The most prevalent crime type in University of South Carolina is Rape, with a crime index of 175 (75% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near University of South Carolina?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Wheeler Hill, University Hills, Whaley Street and Wales Garden. These areas are close to University of South Carolina and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of University of South Carolina?
University of South Carolina has a population of approximately 4,115. The median household income is $33,554. The median home value is $203,187. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does University of South Carolina crime compare to the national average?
University of South Carolina's overall crime rate is 54% below the national average (index 46 vs 100). Within Columbia, it is safer than 87% 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.