South Downtown Neighborhood, Columbus
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Safety at a Glance
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in Columbus
Is South Downtown Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. South Downtown in Columbus, OH has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 198, which is 98% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Columbus average (crime index 121), South Downtown is 77% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 198, 98% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 155).
South Downtown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Columbus city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
196 | +96% | High | |
|
Assault
|
198 | +98% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
155 | +55% | High | |
|
Rape
|
197 | +97% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
167 | +67% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
195 | +95% | High | |
How South Downtown Compares
Crime index by category: South Downtown vs Columbus average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Downtown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Downtown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Downtown, Columbus?
South Downtown in Columbus, OH has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 198, which is 98% above the national average. Compared to the Columbus average, crime in South Downtown is 77% higher.
Is South Downtown a safe neighborhood in Columbus?
South Downtown has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Assault (index: 198), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 155).
How does South Downtown compare to the rest of Columbus?
South Downtown's overall crime index is 198, compared to the Columbus average of 121. This means crime in South Downtown is 77% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 187, and for property crime it is 183. 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 South Downtown?
The most prevalent crime type in South Downtown is Assault, with a crime index of 198 (98% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near South Downtown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown Columbus, German Village, Brewery District and Schumacher Place. These areas are close to South Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Downtown?
South Downtown has a population of approximately 500. The median household income is $24,951. The median home value is $370,000. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Downtown crime compare to the national average?
South Downtown's overall crime rate is 98% above the national average (index 198 vs 100). 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 April 2026.