The CQ press released the report Monday and crime statistics support the ranking. Columbia has seen 10 fewer burglaries, 11 fewer assaults and 15 fewer thefts compared to this time last year.

"Now things are quieting down," said Carla Williams, a Columbia Resident. "I think it has a lot to do with the officers being out."

But another resident sees things differently.

"I don't feel like Columbia is not partciularly safer than it used to be,"said Nicole Mramor, who works at a downtown coffeeshop. "I don't think the circumstances have changed all that much.

Columbia placed 123rd on the list, with a crime rate below the national crime rate. This is the second year in a row the city is below the national average.

The list ranked 393 cities across the nation. Colonie, NY is at the top of the safest cities list. Camden, NJ is in last place while St. Louis is the second most dangerous city according to the report. Other Missouri cities on the list are O'Fallon (14) St. Joseph (152), Springfield (279) and Independence (287). For the complete list from the Congressional Quarterly Press, click on the link on the left side of the screen.