The Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Georgia With Highest Crime Rate (2023 )

As a state that attracts around 100,000 new residents annually, Georgia is experiencing rapid growth. Many are drawn to its warmer weather, lower cost of living, and delicious southern cuisine. However, choosing the perfect location to move to can be challenging and requires careful consideration. If safety is a significant concern for you, it’s essential to be aware of Georgia’s ten most dangerous cities. Read on to find out which areas to avoid when planning your move.

10 Most Dangerous Cities in Georgia

College Park

According to recent statistics, College Park has been identified as the most dangerous city in Georgia. Despite having a population of just 35,000, it has a staggering violent crime rate of 7,909 per 100,000 individuals, making it 228% more dangerous than the state average. The risk of becoming a victim of any crime in College Park is so high that residents had a 1 in 7 chance of being affected by it in 2022. Although most incidents reported were property crimes, there were also a few dozen cases of violent crimes. However, there is hope for the future, as several renovation projects are underway in College Park to revitalize the city and make it a safer place to live.

East Point

East Point, a city in Georgia, is known for its high crime rate, 465% higher than the national average. In a population of just over 35,000 people, the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 68. Shockingly, there were 545 reported violent crimes and 3,741 property crimes in East Point in 2022 alone. Property crime is a more common, with a 1 in 10 chance of becoming a victim.

Cordele

Cordele, situated in Crisp County, is one of the most difficult cities in Georgia. With a population of 11,147, the city has a crime rate 133% higher than the state average. In 2012, Cordele experienced the fourth-highest murder and property crime rates in Georgia. Unfortunately, the crime rate has not decreased significantly in recent years. On the whole, residents of Cordele have a 1 in 11 chance of falling prey to any crime.

Jesup

Jesup, with a population of 9,800, has a crime rate of 5,774 per 100k people, which is 140% higher than the Georgia average. The city witnessed 46 violent crimes and 406 reported property crimes in 2021. Poverty and lack of opportunity are some of Jesup’s leading causes of corruption.

Douglasville

Douglasville, situated in Douglas County, is home to around 34,650 residents. Unfortunately, the city has a high crime rate of 5,775 incidents per 100,000 people, making it 140% more dangerous than the state average. Shockingly, Douglasville reported 195 violent crimes and 1,792 property crimes in 2021. This means the chances of falling victim to a crime are approximately 1 in 18. Gang activity is the main cause of the high violent crime rate, which is disproportionately high compared to the city’s population.

Griffin

The city of Griffin, with a population of 23,478, has a high crime rate of 5,919 per 100,000 people. Griffin is 146% more dangerous compared to other cities in Georgia. Unfortunately, residents have a 1 in 17 chance of falling victim to any crime. Shockingly, Griffin has been reported to have seven murders, fifteen burglaries, and 213 assaults in 2021 alone, making it one of the most violent cities in Georgia. The probability of being a victim of property crime is also concerning, with a likelihood of 1 in 21.

Brunswick

Brunswick, a city in Glynn County and located near the Georgia coast, is considered one of the most dangerous places to live in Georgia. With a population of 15,210, the crime rate in Brunswick is 42% higher than the national average, and the overall chance of becoming a victim of a crime is 1 in 24. In 2022, 202 violent crimes and 637 property crimes were reported in Brunswick. Despite these concerning statistics, Brunswick remains a thriving economic centre, thanks to its strategic proximity to coastal ports.

Moultrie

With a population of 14,000, Moultrie has a crime rate of 4,331. Unfortunately, the total crime in this city is 80% higher than the Georgia average, and residents face a 1 in 24 chance of becoming the victim of any crime. Most of the violent crimes in Moultrie involve robberies and assaults. While the number of murders recorded in 2021 is not high, it is still concerning, given the city’s population size. Additionally, Moultrie was among the top ten cities in Georgia with the highest property crime rate in the same year.

Macon

With a population of 157,346, Macon has a crime rate 3,900 per 100,000 people. Sadly, this crime rate is 62% higher than the state average. This means that Macon residents are more likely to become a victim of any crime, with a 1 in 26 chance. In 2021, there have been 1,459 reported violent crimes and 5,233 property crimes in Macon, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the country. Shockingly, Macon leads the country in homicides, and the city is plagued with gun violence. The leading cause of crime in Macon is gang activity and drug trade. Unfortunately, the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 109, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

Atlanta

Atlanta, one of Georgia’s most significant cultural and economic centres, has a crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 individuals. The incidence of crime in Atlanta is primarily determined by location, with the South and Southwest regions of the city experiencing the highest rates. In 2021, Atlanta recorded 3,724 violent incidents and 18,635 property crime incidents. The likelihood of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 27, while the probability of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 134.

Final Words

While Georgia has many great cities, some are considered more dangerous than others. To determine which ones are the most difficult, we analyzed both violent and property crime rates. To compile this list, we relied on data from local and state sources and the FBI’s report on violent crime for the years 2021 and 2022.

These cities were selected because they have a higher crime rate in proportion to their population. Despite this, cities like Atlanta and Macon have some safe neighbourhoods within their large areas. Many individuals are attracted to cities like Atlanta due to their vast job opportunities. However, several of these cities suffer from a scarcity of prospects and gang-related violence, which make them less desirable places to relocate to.

Also Read:

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