Columbia, SC vs Newton, MA

Newton is safer with a higher safety score by 35 points. Columbia, SC has a safety score of 57/100 while Newton, MA has 92/100, based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

Columbia, SC has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100,000 residents, while Newton, MA has 48.9 per 100,000. Lower rates indicate safer communities. The national average is approximately 380 per 100,000.

Columbia, SC has a property crime rate of 3232.6 per 100,000, compared to 599.3 per 100,000 in Newton, MA. Property crimes include burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Safety scores range from 0-100, combining violent crime rates, property crime rates, and population data from the FBI UCR. Higher scores mean safer cities. Grades: A (80+), B (65-79), C (50-64), D (40-49), F (below 40).

Based on crime data alone, Newton is safer. However, safety is just one factor — also consider cost of living, job market, schools, and quality of life. Visit our city pages for more details on each.