Waverly Neighborhood, Columbia

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 55% of neighborhoods in Columbia

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 103 / 300 High
Violent Crime 74
26% below national avg
Property Crime 53
47% below national avg
City Ranking
55%
safer than other
Columbia neighborhoods

Is Waverly Safe?

Waverly in Columbia, SC has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 103, which is 3% above the national average of 100. Waverly is safer than 55% of neighborhoods in Columbia.

Compared to the Columbia average (crime index 134), Waverly is 31% 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: 158, 58% 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, Waverly 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
Rape · Index 158 (58% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 0 (100% below avg)

Waverly 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
36 -64% Low
Assault
100 0% Average
Robbery
2 -98% Low
Rape
158 +58% High
Property Crime
Burglary
73 -27% Low
Larceny / Theft
0 -100% Low
Vehicle Theft
85 -15% Average

How Waverly Compares

Crime index by category: Waverly vs Columbia average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Waverly 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

Waverly Demographics & Context

Population
685
Median Income
$27,250
Home Value
$200,960
Median Age
23
Pop. Density
5,383/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 6%
Graduate Degree 9.3%

Housing

32%
68%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 2.2%
Black 96.5%
Hispanic 1.5%
Asian 0%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Waverly, Columbia?

Waverly in Columbia, SC has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 103, which is 3% above the national average. Compared to the Columbia average, crime in Waverly is 31% lower. Waverly is safer than 55% of neighborhoods in Columbia.

Is Waverly a safe neighborhood in Columbia?

Waverly is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Columbia, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 158), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 0).

How does Waverly compare to the rest of Columbia?

Waverly's overall crime index is 103, compared to the Columbia average of 134. This means crime in Waverly is 31% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 74, and for property crime it is 53. 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 Waverly?

The most prevalent crime type in Waverly is Rape, with a crime index of 158 (58% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Waverly?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include University Hills and Forest Hills. These areas are close to Waverly and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Waverly?

Waverly has a population of approximately 685. The median household income is $27,250. The median home value is $200,960. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Waverly crime compare to the national average?

Waverly's overall crime rate is 3% above the national average (index 103 vs 100). Within Columbia, it is safer than 55% 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.