Columbia, SC vs Paterson, NJ

Columbia, SC is safer with a higher safety score by several points. Columbia, SC has a safety score of 57/100 while Paterson, NJ has 57/100, based on FBI Uniform Crime Report data.

Columbia, SC has a violent crime rate of 769.9 per 100,000 residents, while Paterson, NJ has 978.6 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 2351.1 per 100,000 in Paterson, NJ. 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, Columbia, SC 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.