Columbia County Crime & Safety

Columbia County, Wisconsin

Safety Score

66/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

792.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

109.8

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

683.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

66/100

Higher = safer

State avg 56/100

State Safety Rank

#28

of 72 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Columbia County, Wisconsin

Columbia County Safety Performance Overview

Columbia County boasts a safety score of 98.7, reflecting a total crime rate of 792.8 per 100k. This rate is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing Wisconsin Safety Benchmarks

The county remains safer than the typical Wisconsin community, beating the state average safety score of 98.3. Total crime stays well below the statewide average of 1,103.1 per 100k.

Comparing Columbia to Southern Neighbors

Columbia reports lower crime rates than neighboring Dane County, where the total crime rate reaches 1,981.2. Seven reporting agencies contribute data to ensure local residents stay informed.

Property and Violent Crime Analysis

Violent crime is minimal at 109.8 per 100k, while property crime accounts for the bulk of activity at 683.0. Residents are far less likely to encounter crime than the average American.

Vigilance and Home Security Awareness

Staying vigilant helps maintain this high level of safety across the county. Residents can protect their property by joining local watch programs and securing valuables out of sight.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Columbia County, WI?

Columbia County has a total crime rate of 792.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (109.8 per 100K) and property crimes (683.0 per 100K).

Is Columbia County, WI safe?

Columbia County has a safety score of 66/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #28 out of 72 counties in Wisconsin for safety (1 = safest).

How does Columbia County crime compare to the Wisconsin average?

The county remains safer than the typical Wisconsin community, beating the state average safety score of 98.3. Total crime stays well below the statewide average of 1,103.1 per 100k.

What types of crime are most common in Columbia County?

Violent crime is minimal at 109.8 per 100k, while property crime accounts for the bulk of activity at 683.0. Residents are far less likely to encounter crime than the average American.

How is crime data measured and reported for Columbia County?

Crime data for Columbia County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Columbia County safer than the Wisconsin average?

Columbia County has a safety score of 66/100, which is above the Wisconsin average of 56/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.