South Carolina is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.

Yet it’s always good to keep a vigilant eye on crimes reported in and around where you live and work.

The most recent FBI data from 2018 shows Columbia and West Columbia have among the highest crime rates in the state.

Numbers aside, these cities have their wonderful sides, too.

Use the information below as a reminder to remain aware if you live in or near either city.

Behind North Charleston, Columbia has the state’s 2nd highest crime level.

In 2018, Columbia’s violent crimes totaled 986. Of them, 656 were classified as aggravated assault and 224 were robberies.

Columbia had 90 reported rapes, 16 murders. and 29 arson cases.

Property crimes totaled 6,753 with the majority (4,979) being larceny theft.

Behind Charleston, Greenville, Greenwood, Florence and Sumter, West Columbia had the 8th highest crime rate.

In 2018, West Columbia reported 181 violent crimes, 113 aggravated assaults and 35 robberies 3 murders and 30 reported rapes.

1,292 cases of property crime were recorded including 1,063 larcenies, 122 motor vehicle thefts, 107 robberies and 5 arsons.