Columbia Heights, MN Crime Rate & Safety

Grade: C

Higher crime than 75% of major U.S. cities

Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026

13%
Above Avg Crime
1 in 240
Violent Crime Risk
1 in 44
Property Crime Risk

Is Columbia Heights Safe?

Columbia Heights has a crime rate that is 13% above the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 240.

Crime Index Comparison

Columbia Heights
113
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.

Your Chance of Being a Victim

Violent Crime

1 in 240

chance per year

National average: 1 in 263

9% higher than national average

Property Crime

1 in 44

chance per year

National average: 1 in 55

25% higher than national average

Columbia Heights Crime Breakdown

Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.

Highest Risk
Assault · 20% above avg
Lowest Risk
Rape · 22% below avg
Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
115 +15% Average
Assault
120 +20% Average
Robbery
86 -14% Average
Rape
78 -22% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
95 -5% Average
Larceny / Theft
119 +19% Average
Vehicle Theft
113 +13% Average

Violent vs Property Crime

Crime Index by Category

Columbia Heights Crime Map

Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

Columbia Heights Demographics & Context

Population
20,247
Median Income
$60,778
Home Value
$194,500
Median Rent
$989
Ownership
66%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Columbia Heights, MN?

Columbia Heights, MN has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 13% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 240 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 44 chance for property crime. Columbia Heights has higher crime than 75% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Is Columbia Heights, MN safe to live in?

Columbia Heights has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Columbia Heights is strongly recommended.

What is the violent crime rate in Columbia Heights?

The estimated violent crime rate in Columbia Heights is 416.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 9% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 240 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.7 per 100K (15% above average); aggravated assault at 321.3 per 100K (20% above average); robbery at 63.3 per 100K (14% below average).

What is the property crime rate in Columbia Heights?

The estimated property crime rate in Columbia Heights is 2,284.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 25% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 44 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 255.9 per 100K (5% below average); larceny/theft at 1,667.7 per 100K (19% above average); vehicle theft at 360.7 per 100K (13% above average).

How does Columbia Heights crime compare to the national average?

Columbia Heights's overall crime rate is 13% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (20% above average), while rape is 22% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Columbia Heights has higher crime than 75% of them.

Is Columbia Heights safe to visit?

Visitors to Columbia Heights should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 25% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.

How does Columbia Heights crime compare to the rest of Minnesota?

Minnesota as a whole has crime that is 12% above the national average. Columbia Heights's crime rate is 13% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Minnesota city.

What type of crime is most common in Columbia Heights?

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Columbia Heights, with an estimated rate of 1,667.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 19% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,284 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (417 per 100K) in Columbia Heights, which is consistent with national trends.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State