Georgia is experiencing rapid growth, with approximately 100,000 new residents migrating to the state each year. The warm weather, affordable living costs, and delicious southern cuisine are some of the factors that attract people. However, choosing an ideal location to settle in Georgia can be a daunting task that requires thorough consideration. If safety is a top concern, it is essential to be aware of the ten most dangerous cities in Georgia to avoid moving to these areas.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Georgia
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- College Park
- East Point
- Cordele
- Jesup
- Douglasville
- Griffin
- Brunswick
- Moultrie
- Macon
- Atlanta
1. College Park
College Park, with a population of 35,000, has been identified as the most dangerous city in Georgia. The city has a violent crime rate of 7,909 per 100,000 people, which is 228% higher than the Georgia average. In 2022, the city’s crime rate was so high that residents had a 1 in 7 chance of being victims of any type of crime. It is worth noting that property crimes made up the majority of incidents, while violent crimes were relatively low in number. Despite being the most dangerous city in Georgia in 2023, College Park is currently undergoing several renovation projects aimed at revitalizing the city and making it safer for residents.
2. East Point
With a crime rate that is 465% higher than the national average, East Point is considered one of Georgia’s most dangerous cities. Despite having a population of just over 35,000 people, the likelihood of falling victim to a violent crime in East Point is 1 in 68. In 2022, the city recorded 545 reported violent crimes and 3,741 property crimes. However, it’s worth noting that property crime is much more prevalent in East Point, with a 1 in 10 chance of becoming a victim.
3. Cordele
Cordele, located in Crisp County, is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Georgia. With a population of 11,147, the city has a crime rate that is 133% higher than the state average. In 2012, Cordele had the 4th highest murder rate and the 4th highest rate of property crimes in Georgia. Unfortunately, even in recent years, the crime rate has not improved significantly. Residents of Cordele have an alarming 1 in 11 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime.
4. Jesup
Jesup, with a population of 9,800, has a high crime rate of 5,774 per 100k people, which is 140% higher than the Georgia average. The city reported 46 violent crimes and 406 property crimes in 2021. Poverty and lack of opportunity are some of the primary reasons for the high crime rate in Jesup.
5. Douglasville
Douglasville, a city located in Douglas County, is home to around 34,650 people. Unfortunately, the crime rate in this area is quite high, with 5,775 crimes reported per 100,000 individuals. This figure makes the city 140% more dangerous than the state average. In the year 2021, there were 195 reported violent crimes and 1,792 property crimes in Douglasville. Shockingly, the overall chance of becoming the victim of a crime in this city is 1 in 18. The high rate of violent crimes is particularly concerning as it is strongly linked to gang activity.
6. Griffin
With a population of 23,478, Griffin has a crime rate of 5,919 per 100,000 people. Sadly, Griffin is considered 146% more dangerous than other cities in Georgia, with residents facing a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. Shockingly, seven murders, fifteen burglaries, and 213 assaults were reported in Griffin in 2021, making it one of the most violent cities in Georgia. Moreover, the chance of becoming a victim of any type of property crime in Griffin is 1 in 21.
7. Brunswick
Located near the Georgia coast in Glynn County, Brunswick is considered as one of the most perilous areas to reside in Georgia. With a population of 15,210, the crime rate in Brunswick is 42% higher than the national average, and the chances of becoming a victim of crime are 1 in 24. As per the records of 2022, there were 202 reported violent crimes and 637 property crimes in Brunswick. However, despite the high crime rate, Brunswick continues to remain a thriving economic center due to its proximity to coastal ports.
8. Moultrie
With a population of 14,000, Moultrie has a crime rate of 4,331, making the total crime rate 80% higher than the Georgia average. Unfortunately, residents face a 1 in 24 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. The majority of violent crimes in Moultrie involve robberies and assaults, with only two murders recorded in 2021. Although this number may seem low, it is still higher than what would be expected for a city of Moultrie’s size. In 2021, Moultrie ranked in the top ten places in Georgia with the highest property crime rate.
9. Macon
With a population of 157,346, Macon has a high crime rate of 3,900 per 100,000 people. This rate is 62% higher than the state average, meaning residents of Macon have a 1 in 26 chance of falling victim to any type of crime. Shockingly, Macon leads the nation in homicides, and gun violence is rampant throughout the city. The majority of crime in Macon can be attributed to gang activity and the drug trade. In 2021, 1,459 violent crimes and 5,233 property crimes were reported in the area. Unfortunately, the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime in Macon is 1 in 109, making it a dangerous place to live.
10. Atlanta
Atlanta, one of Georgia’s most significant cultural and economic centers, has a crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 individuals. The prevalence of crime in Atlanta heavily relies on the location, with the South and Southwest areas of the city being the worst affected. As of 2021, Atlanta has seen 3,724 violent incidents and 18,635 property crimes. The odds of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 27, while the chances of experiencing violent crime are 1 in 134.
