Is Columbia, CA a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Columbia, CA - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
4 Registered Offenders Nearby
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatchers report a large tree possibly blocking the eastbound lane near Highway 4 and Moran Road, with highway patrol units responding to the road hazard. | CA-4 & Moran Rd, Avery, CA 95247 | Road Closure |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to a reported traffic hazard on eastbound Highway 4 just west of Red Tail Hawk Road, where a large tree branch was hanging low into the lanes and a pickup truck apparently struck it, shattering its windshield. The driver declined a tow, and highway crews were requested to clear the hazard. | Red Tail Hawk Rd, Arnold, CA 95223 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible debris fire in Arnold near Venado Drive and nearby cross streets. Local and Cal Fire engines are being sent to check the area. | Venado Dr, Arnold, CA 95223 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a request from a property manager at a shopping center near Highway 4 in Arnold to have a person in a trailer moved along, with a possible trespassing notice already on file for the location. | Meadowmont, Arnold, CA 95223 | Other Incidents |
| Jul 14, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible 911 hang-up call near Ponderosa Way in Murphys, and a unit is assigned to check the situation. | Ponderosa Way, Murphys, CA | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 14, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic indicates an air ambulance landing zone operation near Mokelumne Vista Point, with Station 61 and Engine 4496 assisting. | Mokelumne Dr E, Arnold, CA 95223 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 14, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a lift assist medical call occurred near Flume Drive close to Highway 49 and Milton Road in Duttletown. Engine 902 responded to the scene. | Flume Ct, Arnold, CA 95223 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 14, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to an alarm at a gas station on Highway 4 in Arnold after a front glass-break detector was triggered. | CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223 | Break-In |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units responded to a reported commercial fire alarm at a care home near Meadowview Road and South Court in Arnold, California. The first unit on scene reported a single-story care facility with nothing showing, assumed command, and requested other units downgrade. It was later reported that an alarm company was working on the system and all units were cleared. A separate medical call for a possible loss of consciousness at a care facility on Silver Lane was also dispatched. | Meadowview Rd, Arnold, CA 95223 | Fire |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews responded to a reported commercial fire alarm at a care facility near Meadowview Road in Arnold. The incident was later determined to be a false alarm while an alarm company was working on the system, and all units were cleared. During related radio traffic, there was also mention of a separate possible vehicle accident near a Chevron station in San Andreas involving a vehicle and a tree, with medics transporting a patient. | Meadowview Rd, Arnold, CA 95223 | Fire |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Overview
Columbia is a small, ethnically diverse town in California with a population of 2,577. It features a mix of white- and blue-collar occupations, with many residents working in management, personal care, and sales.
The neighborhood has a high telecommuting rate at 22.88%, ranking among the highest in the country. English is the predominant language, with Spanish and Tagalog also spoken.
Housing market and real estate character
Columbia's housing data is limited but reflects a small community with diverse residents.
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
Columbia has a unique social fabric with a high concentration of divorcees and a mix of family types.
| Divorcee Concentration | Higher than 97.7% of US neighborhoods |
|---|
Demographics
| Bachelor's Degree | 19.54% |
|---|---|
| Per Capita Income | $32,651 |
| English Ancestry | 29.4% |
| Slovak Ancestry | 2.6% |
| Languages Spoken | English (91.3%), Spanish, Tagalog |
Commute
Most residents have a short commute, with many driving alone or walking to work.
Columbia's commute patterns reflect a community with convenient access to work and a high rate of telecommuting.
| Drive Alone | 70.1% |
|---|---|
| Walk to Work | 7.4% |
| Commute Time 15-30 min | 45.7% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the education level in Columbia?
About 19.54% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher, near the US average.
How diverse is Columbia?
The town is ethnically diverse with significant English, German, Irish, Italian, and French ancestries.