CCCityCheck
SafetyCostCitiesProvidersSearch
B-

Vehicle Theft in Columbia, Tennessee (2026)

281.0 per 100K · 12% below national avg · Grade B-

Updated October 2026 · Based on 2023 FBI UCR data

Quick Answer

Columbia has a vehicle theft rate of 281.0 per 100K, which is 12% below the national average of 318.3. Grade: B-. Your odds of being affected: approximately 1 in 356 per year.

In 2026, the vehicle theft rate in Columbia, Tennessee is 281.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% below the national average of 318.3. That puts Columbia's vehicle theft close to the national average. Based on FBI UCR data.

Vehicle Theft Rate: Columbia vs State and National Averages

Columbia
281.0
Tennessee Avg
336.9
National Avg
318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI UCR data.

Your Odds: Vehicle Theft in Columbia

1 in 356

Approximate chance of being affected by vehicle theft in Columbia in a given year, based on the rate of 281.0 per 100,000 residents.

What Is Vehicle Theft?

Motor vehicle theft is the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and ATVs. It does not include taking a vehicle for temporary use when abandoned by the offender.

Other Crime Types in Columbia

C+
Violent Crime442.8/100K · 22% above avg
B
Property Crime1667.8/100K · 9% below avg
B-
Burglary243.1/100K · 10% below avg
C+
Theft1482.2/100K · 6% above avg

Vehicle Theft in Nearby Tennessee Cities

CityGradeRate
Cleveland
B-
255.7
Collierville
B-
236.6
Lebanon
B-
247.4
Gallatin
B
199.8
Brentwood
B
185.3
Mount Juliet
C-
549.0

Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Theft in Columbia

How bad is vehicle theft in Columbia?
As of 2026, Columbia's vehicle theft rate of 281.0 per 100K is 12% below the national average. It ranks behind 46% of US cities for vehicle theft.
What is the vehicle theft rate in Columbia?
As of 2026, 281.0 per 100,000 residents, based on the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report data. The national average is 318.3 per 100K.
Is vehicle theft increasing in Columbia?
Crime rates in Columbia have been stable overall. Vehicle Theft has not shown significant movement.
How does Columbia's vehicle theft compare to Tennessee?
Columbia performs better than most Tennessee cities on vehicle theft. Its rate of 281.0 per 100K is close to the national average when compared nationally.
What are the odds of being a victim of vehicle theft in Columbia?
Based on the rate of 281.0 per 100,000, approximately 1 in 356 residents could be affected by vehicle theft in a given year. This is a statistical estimate, not a prediction — actual risk varies by neighborhood and behavior.
Is Columbia safe from vehicle theft?
Columbia is about average for vehicle theft. The rate of 281.0 per 100K is close to the national average. Awareness and normal precautions go a long way.
Back to Columbia safety overviewHow we calculate grades

2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

Know before you go

CityCheck covers safety grades, crime data, and things to do for every US city.

Explore cities