With some 913,000 residents, Columbus, Ohio, is known for its arts and culture, food scene, and outdoor activities. However, the city has a problem with violent and property crime that makes home security in Columbus essential. With a total crime index (TCI) of eight — with 100 being the safest — 92% of U.S. cities are safer than Columbus, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which gleans information from multiple government sources. Here’s how the city’s crime picture compares to other municipalities of comparable size.
Violent Crime in Columbus
Violent crime remains an issue in Columbus, where the chance of becoming a victim is one in 259. Of 28,782 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 3,528 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as being one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
Then there is Fort Worth, Texas, with about 978,000 residents and a total crime index of nine. The chances of being victimized by violent crime in Fort Worth are one in 205. Of 30,642 crimes reported over 12 months, 4,778 were in the violent category.
In Charlotte, N.C., the chance of becoming a victim is one in 134. Of the 41,914 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 6,801 were violent. And in Indianapolis, Indiana, 9,232 of 40,983 crimes were violent. The city of 879,000 residents has a total crime index of three and a one in 95 chance of violent victimization.
San Francisco, California, with some 808,000 residents, is another city close in size to Columbus. It has a TCI of one and over a 12-month period, some 5,712 of 51,034 crimes were violent.
And in Jacksonville, Florida, which has nearly 986,000 residents and a TCI of seven, there’s a one in 140 chance of experiencing a violent crime. That’s a rate of 7.16 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime in Columbus
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Columbus, there’s a one in 36 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 27.66 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 25,254 property crimes, 3,786 were burglaries.
In Charlotte, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 26 — for a rate of 38.53 per 1,000 residents. Charlotte logged 35,113 property crimes over 12 months. Compare Charlotte’s data with that of Indianapolis, where you have a one in 28 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 36.06 per 1,000 residents.
The city reported 31,706 property crimes over 12 months. As for the property crime picture in San Francisco, you have a one in 18 chance of victimization. Of all crimes there, 45,322 were in the property category. Those residing in Jacksonville have a one in 38 chance of being victimized by property crime. The city reported 26,036 such crimes over 12 months.
The Columbus Police Department
The police department in Columbus is the Columbus Division of Police, which had 1,859 sworn officers as of 2024. It covers about 222 square miles, an area that extends mainly into Franklin County but also reaches into Fairfield and Delaware counties.
The division comprises 20 precincts across the greater Columbus metropolitan area, serving nearly 800,000 residents. The precincts are organized within six patrol zones. The increase from five was made to improve response times for policing in various city neighborhoods.
The Columbus Division of Police headquarters is at 120 Marconi Boulevard.
How to Stay Safe
Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Columbus area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.
With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.
In Summary
Compared to other cities with similar populations, incidences of property and violent crime are real problems in Columbus. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock monitoring to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by professionals who work closely with first responders, every hour of the day.
