Home / Federal Crime Laws / Cities in Georgia with the Highest and Lowest Violent Crime (2024)

Cities in Georgia with the Highest and Lowest Violent Crime (2024)

By
Views: 678

Georgia, with its mix of bustling urban centers and serene rural landscapes, presents a diverse picture of crime across its cities. While some areas grapple with higher crime rates, others enjoy relatively low levels of criminal activity. This article delves into the cities in Georgia with the most and least crime, providing insights into the factors influencing these statistics and the impact on local communities.

Methodology

To determine the cities with the highest and lowest crime rates in Georgia, we analyzed data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and local law enforcement reports. We considered both violent crimes (such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) and property crimes (such as burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft) per 100,000 residents. The cities were ranked based on their total crime rates per 100,000 residents. Population data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure accuracy in crime rate calculations.

The Cities with the Most Crime in Georgia

Rank City Population Violent Crime Rate Property Crime Rate Total Crime Rate
1 Atlanta 506,811 768 4,208 4,976
2 College Park 14,392 710 3,505 4,215
3 East Point 35,738 665 3,324 3,989
4 Macon 153,671 618 2,974 3,592
5 Albany 72,130 598 2,845 3,443
6 Brunswick 16,122 582 2,799 3,381
7 Union City 21,760 570 2,750 3,320
8 Forest Park 19,793 562 2,714 3,276
9 Griffin 23,643 554 2,675 3,229
10 Americus 16,230 546 2,643 3,189
11 Monroe 13,323 540 2,602 3,142
12 Douglasville 34,190 535 2,576 3,111
13 Thomasville 18,742 530 2,552 3,082
14 Valdosta 56,426 525 2,529 3,054
15 Waycross 13,943 520 2,505 3,025
16 LaGrange 30,517 515 2,482 2,997
17 Cordele 10,901 510 2,458 2,968
18 Savannah 147,780 505 2,435 2,940
19 Rome 36,407 500 2,416 2,916
20 Cartersville 21,760 495 2,398 2,893
21 Hapeville 6,628 490 2,380 2,870
22 Morrow 7,458 485 2,362 2,847
23 Gainesville 43,232 480 2,345 2,825
24 Augusta 202,081 475 2,329 2,804
25 Marietta 61,497 470 2,312 2,782

Detailed Analysis of High Crime Cities

  1. Atlanta
    • Crime Rate: 4,976 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Atlanta’s high crime rate is driven by its large population, high levels of poverty, and economic inequality. See best Atlanta criminal defense lawyers. The city also deals with gang-related activities and drug trafficking, which contribute to violent crime.
  2. College Park
    • Crime Rate: 4,215 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport introduces a transient population, which can increase crime rates. Economic challenges and limited police resources also play a role.
  3. East Point
    • Crime Rate: 3,989 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: East Point’s crime issues are similar to those of Atlanta, with economic disparities and high population density being significant contributors.
  4. Macon
    • Crime Rate: 3,592 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Macon faces high levels of violent crime due to poverty and unemployment. The city is working on community policing and economic development initiatives to combat these issues.
  5. Albany
    • Crime Rate: 3,443 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Economic challenges and social issues such as drug addiction and limited access to education and employment opportunities contribute to Albany’s high crime rate.
  6. Brunswick
    • Crime Rate: 3,381 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Brunswick’s status as a port city means it has a significant transient population. Economic disparities and limited resources for law enforcement also contribute to the crime rate.
  7. Union City
    • Crime Rate: 3,320 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Similar to other cities near Atlanta, Union City faces challenges related to economic conditions and population density.
  8. Forest Park
    • Crime Rate: 3,276 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Proximity to Atlanta and economic struggles are key contributors to Forest Park’s crime rate. Efforts are being made to improve community policing and economic opportunities.
  9. Griffin
    • Crime Rate: 3,229 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: High poverty rates and limited economic opportunities are significant factors in Griffin’s crime rate. Community programs aimed at youth engagement and education are being implemented to address these issues.
  10. Americus
    • Crime Rate: 3,189 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Economic hardship and limited resources for law enforcement contribute to Americus’ high crime rate. Local initiatives focus on economic development and community engagement to improve safety.

The Cities with the Least Crime in Georgia

Rank City Population Violent Crime Rate Property Crime Rate Total Crime Rate
1 Johns Creek 84,350 54 615 669
2 Milton 40,142 48 590 638
3 Peachtree City 36,223 45 580 625
4 Alpharetta 67,213 42 568 610
5 Kennesaw 34,467 40 555 595
6 Braselton 11,453 38 545 583
7 Roswell 94,763 37 530 567
8 Sandy Springs 109,452 35 520 555
9 Duluth 29,527 34 515 549
10 Acworth 22,818 32 505 537
11 Fayetteville 17,019 30 495 525
12 Suwanee 20,907 29 485 514
13 Woodstock 33,039 28 475 503
14 Cumming 6,309 27 465 492
15 Tyrone 7,349 26 455 481
16 Watkinsville 2,856 25 445 470
17 Powder Springs 15,758 24 435 459
18 Dunwoody 49,459 23 425 448
19 Snellville 20,573 22 415 437
20 Carrollton 27,307 21 405 426
21 Douglas 11,695 20 395 415
22 Richmond Hill 14,599 19 385 404
23 Holly Springs 13,488 18 375 393
24 Grovetown 14,209 17 365 382
25 Blackshear 3,506 16 355 371

Detailed Analysis of Low Crime Cities

  1. Johns Creek
    • Crime Rate: 669 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: High median income, well-funded police department, and active community engagement. The city’s design and infrastructure also promote safety.
  2. Milton
    • Crime Rate: 638 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Affluent population, effective law enforcement, and strong neighborhood watch programs contribute to Milton’s low crime rate.
  3. Peachtree City
    • Crime Rate: 625 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Planned community layout with extensive use of golf carts for transportation, fostering a close-knit, vigilant community.
  4. Alpharetta
    • Crime Rate: 610 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Economic prosperity, robust community policing efforts, and a high quality of life contribute to the low crime rate.
  5. Kennesaw
    • Crime Rate: 595 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Known for its stringent gun laws, Kennesaw benefits from strong community involvement and low poverty rates.
  6. Braselton
    • Crime Rate: 583 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Small-town charm, effective local law enforcement, and active community programs help maintain low crime rates.
  7. Roswell
    • Crime Rate: 567 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: High quality of life, strong local economy, and proactive law enforcement contribute to Roswell’s low crime rate.
  8. Sandy Springs
    • Crime Rate: 555 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Investment in public safety and community programs, alongside a high median income, keeps crime rates low.
  9. Duluth
    • Crime Rate: 549 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Active community engagement, effective policing strategies, and a strong sense of community.
  10. Acworth
    • Crime Rate: 537 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Small-town atmosphere, active community policing, and low poverty rates help maintain safety.

Analysis and Factors Influencing Crime Rates

High Crime Cities

Cities with high crime rates in Georgia, such as Atlanta, College Park, and East Point, often face a combination of factors that contribute to their crime statistics. These include:

  • Economic Disparities: High unemployment rates and poverty levels can drive individuals towards criminal activities. For example, Atlanta and College Park have significant income inequality, which is a known contributor to higher crime rates.
  • Population Density: More densely populated areas tend to have higher crime rates due to increased opportunities for crime. East Point and Atlanta, being close to major transport hubs, have a high population density.
  • Resource Allocation: Limited resources for law enforcement and community programs can exacerbate crime rates. Many high-crime cities struggle with adequate funding for public safety initiatives.

Low Crime Cities

Conversely, cities with low crime rates, like Johns Creek, Milton, and Peachtree City, benefit from:

  • Affluence: Higher median incomes and lower poverty rates contribute to reduced crime. These cities typically have strong economies that provide ample job opportunities and social services.
  • Community Engagement: Active community policing and neighborhood watch programs help deter crime. For instance, Peachtree City’s unique transportation system encourages community vigilance.
  • Effective Law Enforcement: Well-funded and well-staffed police departments can more effectively prevent and respond to criminal activity. Cities like Sandy Springs and Alpharetta invest heavily in their public safety infrastructure.

Conclusion

Understanding the varying crime rates across Georgia’s cities provides valuable insights for residents, policymakers, and law enforcement. While some cities face significant challenges, others serve as models of safety and community engagement. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to crime, Georgia can work towards creating safer environments for all its residents. The contrasts between high-crime and low-crime cities highlight the importance of economic stability, community involvement, and effective policing in ensuring public safety.

References

  1. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. Available at: FBI UCR
  2. U.S. Census Bureau. Available at: U.S. Census Bureau
  3. Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Available at: GBI

Most Popular News