Wales Garden Neighborhood, Columbia

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safer than 70% of neighborhoods in Columbia

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 136 / 300 High

Violent Crime 150

50% above national avg

Property Crime 98

2% below national avg

City Ranking

70%

safer than other

Columbia neighborhoods

Is Wales Garden Safe?

Wales Garden in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 136, which is 36% above the national average of 100. Wales Garden is safer than 70% of neighborhoods in Columbia.

Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Wales Garden is 2% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 180, 80% 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, Wales Garden 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.

Highest Risk

Robbery · Index 180 (80% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 0 (100% below avg)

Wales Garden Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Columbia city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Columbia	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	155	+55%	+25%	High
Assault	161	+61%	+13%	High
Robbery	180	+80%	+84%	High
Rape	102	+2%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	131	+31%	+7%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	0	-100%	-20%	Low
Vehicle Theft	163	+63%	+25%	High

How Wales Garden Compares

Crime index by category: Wales Garden vs Columbia average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Wales Garden Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

Wales Garden Demographics & Context

Population

924

Median Income

$62,824

Home Value

$558,846

Median Age

Pop. Density

5,040/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 44%

Graduate Degree 42.4%

Housing

47%

53%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 79.1%

Black 4.5%

Hispanic 3.1%

Asian 12%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Wheeler Hill Index: 121

Hollywood / Rose Hill Index: 94

University Hills Index: 164

A-

University of South Carolina Index: 46

Martin Luther King Index: 191

D+

South Waccamaw Index: 143

Old Shandon Index: 186

B-

Shandon Index: 145

Wales Garden Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Columbia Crime Statistics

View all Columbia neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Wales Garden, Columbia?

Wales Garden in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 136, which is 36% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Wales Garden is 2% higher. Wales Garden is safer than 70% of neighborhoods in Columbia.

Is Wales Garden a safe neighborhood in Columbia?

Wales Garden is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 180), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 0).

How does Wales Garden compare to the rest of Columbia?

Wales Garden's overall crime index is 136, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Wales Garden is 2% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 150, and for property crime it is 98. 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 Wales Garden?

The most prevalent crime type in Wales Garden is Robbery, with a crime index of 180 (80% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Wales Garden?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Wheeler Hill, Hollywood / Rose Hill, University Hills and University of South Carolina. These areas are close to Wales Garden and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Wales Garden?

Wales Garden has a population of approximately 924. The median household income is $62,824. The median home value is $558,846. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Wales Garden crime compare to the national average?

Wales Garden's overall crime rate is 36% above the national average (index 136 vs 100). Within Columbia, it is safer than 70% 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.