Is Savannah, Georgia Safe? Guide to Crime Rate, Neighborhoods & Staying Secure

Is Savannah, Georgia safe? Whether you're a visitor or a potential resident, the city's famous historical charm and coastal beauty may prompt this question. This guide will explore the latest crime trends in Savannah, distinguish between safe areas and higher-risk zones, and offer key safety tips to help you navigate the city with confidence.

Is Savannah, Georgia Safe

Yes, Savannah is generally safe for both residents and visitors, especially in established neighborhoods and the historic downtown area. This conclusion is not made without basis; we must face the crime data honestly.

Savannah Crime Rate & Main Types of Crimes

The crime rate in Savannah is significantly higher than the national average, approximately 15% above it. According to NeighborhoodScout, the likelihood of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Savannah is 1 in 42. With 24 crimes per thousand residents, Savannah is generally considered as safe as other cities of a similar size in the region.

The good news is that the full 2024 Crime Report, released by the Savannah Police Department (SPD), shows that crime has decreased in every precinct and in nearly every category, marking an exponential decline since 2022.

Violent crime (homicide, robbery, aggravated assault): Violent crime in Savannah occurs at a rate higher than most U.S. communities, with a 1 in 263 chance of becoming a victim, or 4 violent crimes per thousand residents. However, the 2024 report shows a 20% decrease in violent crime since 2023 and 21% since 2022.

Property crime (burglary/larceny/motor-vehicle theft): Savannah's property crime rate is 20 per thousand residents, above the national average. Total property crimes dropped 10% from 5,888 in 2023 to 5,295 in 2024, with theft from vehicles and shoplifting seeing the largest decreases. However, property crime saw some increases, including a rise in other larceny (105 more cases) and commercial burglary (59 new cases).

How does Savannah's Safety Compare to Other Georgia Cities?

Relative to Georgia, Savannah has a crime rate that is higher than 77% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes. Savannah generally feels safer and more walkable than Atlanta but similar to mid-sized cities like Augusta or Macon.

Savannah's crime profile shows distinct patterns when measured against major Georgia peers. According to the 2025 BestPlaces data:

• Violent crime in Savannah (index 22.2) is significantly lower than Atlanta's 55.3 and moderately below Augusta's 27.5.
• Property crime (index 51.5) remains elevated but trails Augusta (59.5) and is approximately 32% lower than Atlanta's rate.

Numbeo data shows Savannah's Crime Index (57.74) and Safety Score (42.26) outperform Atlanta's (64.69 and 35.31). Savannah's crime rate (23.9 per 1,000) is lower than Macon's (52.6) and Columbus' (33). These crime statistics suggest that Savannah is moderately positioned among Georgia's urban centers, though still above national averages.

👉 Related reading: Top 10 Safest Cities in Georgia (2025)

Is Savannah, Georgia, a Safe Place to Live?

Safety in Savannah varies drastically by neighborhood, with well-patrolled historic districts contrasting sharply with higher-crime corridors. Understanding these geographic disparities is essential for informed living or visiting. Below, we detail specific zones based on crime statistics and local insights.

Top 5 Safest Neighborhoods in Savannah, GA for Families

Savannah offers several communities with notably low crime rates and family-centric amenities, particularly in suburban and waterfront areas. Top contenders include:

• Ardsley Park: As one of Savannah's older neighborhoods, Ardsley Park blends historic beauty with a well-established community. It's popular among families as it has low property and violent crime rates.

• Gordonston: Gordonston is a historic neighborhood in Savannah, offering a peaceful, small-town atmosphere. With its low crime rate and tight-knit community, it attracts families and individuals looking for a quiet, safe place to live.
• Isle of Hope: Nestled along the Skidaway River, Isle of Hope is a peaceful, waterfront neighborhood known for its close-knit community and low crime rates. The crime rate in Isle of Hope is 15.78 per 1,000 residents in the typical year. Isle of Hope ranks in the 78th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 78% of cities.
• Wilmington Island: The crime rate in Wilmington Island is 17.97 per 1,000 residents on average. Residents typically consider the southwest part of the island the safest. The chance of becoming a crime victim varies by neighborhood, with a 1 in 46 chance in the northwest and 1 in 67 in the southwest.
• Skidaway Island: The crime rate in Skidaway Island is 12.81 per 1,000 residents on average. Residents typically consider the southern part of the island the safest. Your chance of becoming a crime victim varies by neighborhood, with a 1 in 66 chance in the northern neighborhoods and 1 in 121 in the south.

Dangerous Areas & Crime Hotspots to Avoid

Savannah's safety landscape includes neighborhoods with persistently high crime rates, demanding heightened vigilance. Key areas to approach with caution:

• Yamacraw Village / West Savannah: In West Savannah, the overall crime rate is more than twice the national average, and in Yamacraw Village, it's 50% higher. Some homes and apartments lack working lights, security cameras, or gates, which makes it easier for bad things to happen. Most crimes occur between 9 pm and 3 am, so walking in groups or arranging safe transportation is recommended.
• Waters Avenue Corridor: This area, known for its bustling stores and restaurants, also experiences incidents of robberies, car accidents, and theft. These safety concerns—such as assaults, thefts, and parking lot crimes—highlight the need for extra caution.
• Carver Heights: The neighborhood, a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, also has a higher crime rate compared to other areas in the city. Violent crimes, in particular, exceed the national average, with the murder rate being four times higher and the robbery rate three times higher than the national average. On a positive note, the motor vehicle theft rate and the rape rate are closer to the national averages.

Other Safety Concerns Beyond Crime

Beyond street crime, Savannah faces environmental and infrastructure risks tied to its coastal location and low-lying topography. Flooding, hurricanes, and water safety demand equal consideration for residents and visitors. Below, we detail critical hazards and mitigation strategies.

Is Savannah Georgia Safe for Black Families & LGBTQ Communities?

Savannah has a growing LGBTQ+ community, with numerous LGBTQ+ friendly establishments and events. The city hosts various LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, bringing together the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The First City Pride Center, Georgia's only LGBTQ+ center, is a trans-led nonprofit that offers support and resources to the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, Savannah has implemented anti-discrimination measures to protect LGBTQ+ individuals.

For Black families, Savannah's rich cultural legacy (e.g., historic Cuyler-Brownville) contrasts with systemic challenges. While neighborhoods such as Georgetown and Isle of Hope offer welcoming environments, data reveal disparities: Black residents comprise 20% of Savannah's population but 68% of Chatham County's detainees. The city's equity initiatives aim to bridge gaps in resource allocation, though subtle biases persist per resident accounts.

Is Savannah Georgia Safe from Hurricane & Flood Risks?

Savannah faces significant exposure to hurricanes and flooding due to its coastal geography. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. It brings storm surges and heavy rain. For example, Hurricane Matthew caused serious flooding in 2016 (Flood Insurance Guru). Approximately 77% of buildings face flood risk—over half in high-risk FEMA zones (AE, VE) with 1% annual flood probability.

Critical mitigation steps:

• Verify property-specific risks via the Georgia Flood Map Viewer.
• Secure flood insurance (standard policies exclude water damage).
• Monitor CEMA for evacuation routes during storms.

While direct hurricane hits are rare, even peripheral systems can cause tidal flooding, especially in low-lying areas like the Historic District. Proactive planning is essential for long-term safety.

Is Savannah Georgia Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Savannah's tap water, sourced from the Savannah River and treated by the Metropolitan Water Services (MWS), consistently meets or exceeds federal safety standards. Annual Consumer Confidence Reports confirm compliance with EPA regulations for contaminants like lead, bacteria, and nitrates—all testing well below allowable limits. Chlorine (for disinfection) and fluoride (for dental health) are added, though some residents note a slight chlorine taste during maintenance or heavy rainfall.

While generally safe for all, sensitive groups should consider precautions:

• Infants: Use filtered water for formula to minimize mineral exposure.
• Older homes: Run taps for 30+ seconds before use if lead pipes are present; NSF-certified filters add protection.
• Advisories: Heed rare boil-water notices during pipe repairs.

Local Safety Tips from Residents & Police Advice

Whether you're a resident or visitor in Savannah, actionable guidance from locals and law enforcement is critical for safety. Below, we distill essential precautions into practical, data-backed strategies.

Secure Your Home — Try eufy ExpertSecure System E10 for Better Protection

While choosing a safe neighborhood and staying cautious are important, personal initiative in home safety is equally crucial. Residents are advised to consider home security systems, such as surveillance cameras and smart lock systems, based on their specific needs. For enhanced peace of mind and comprehensive protection, the eufy ExpertSecure System E10 is an excellent choice.

Why eufy E10 owns Savannah's threat landscape:

• Proactive Threat Detection: 24/7 AI surveillance spots intruders before they strike. Window pried? Sensors trigger alerts + live feed to experts—intercepting most attempts pre-crime.
• Almost Zero False Alarms: AI + human experts double-check every trigger. Pet moved? Verification within seconds—only dispatches for real threats.
• Lightning Response: App/text/call alerts hit you, and then the police. Intruder confirmed? Authorities dispatched mid-crime.
• Privacy Fortress: 16TB local storage locks data in your home. Cloud risk? Zero footage never leaves your hub.
• Hurricane-Proof Backup: 24-hour battery + dual 4G keeps cameras rolling during blackouts (common in storm season).

Lock Cars & Avoid Leaving Valuables in Sight

Unlocked cars attract 44% of vehicle thefts. Even visible phone chargers increase break-in risk ninefold—thieves strike in under 20 seconds. Always double-check locks and fully close windows. Stash bags or electronics in your trunk before arriving at your destination, and use sunshades to hide empty seats. An empty, locked car deters 70% of thieves, turning your vehicle into a hardened target.

Stick to Well-Lit, Busy Streets After Dark

Dark alleys host 85% of street crimes. Well-lit areas triple eyewitness presence and deter 68% of criminals through natural surveillance. Prioritize routes patrolled by security cameras near open businesses, walk center-sidewalk away from doorways, and note emergency call boxes. Bright paths slash assault risks by 40%—light is your silent bodyguard.

Use Rideshare Instead of Walking in Isolated Areas at Night

92% of opportunistic attacks target solo pedestrians in deserted zones. Rideshares cut risk by 76% with GPS-tracked drivers and in-app emergency buttons. Before entering, match the license plate and driver photo. Share live trip status with contacts, and sit directly behind the driver for safety.

Conclusion

Is Savannah Georgia Safe? The reality presents nuance. Savannah's undeniable charm—its moss-draped squares and riverfront energy—coexists with tangible risks. Crime rates are higher than the national average. Property crimes, especially vehicle theft, are a big part of this issue. About 1 in 329 residents is affected. Areas like West Savannah and Carver Village experience the most crime.

So, is Savannah safe? Yes, so long as you are on high alert and take the practical advice. For residents, true security extends beyond awareness. In a city where property crime dominates, robust home protection becomes essential. The eufy ExpertSecure System E10 delivers defense through AI-powered 24/7 monitoring that detects intrusions, fires, floods, and even package theft in real time. This isn't mere technology; it's a tailored shield against Savannah's top risks.

FAQs

Which Areas in Savannah Should Tourists Avoid?

Tourists should stay away from West Savannah, including Yamacraw Village, Carver Heights, and the Waters Avenue Corridor. These areas have violent crime rates four to five times higher than the national average (NewsBreak). Stick to well-lit tourist zones like River Street and the Historic District after dark.

Is Savannah Safer Than Atlanta?

Yes, Savannah is generally safer than Atlanta. Savannah's violent crime index (22.7) is less than half of Atlanta's (55.3), and property crime is 32% lower. However, Savannah's vehicle theft rate remains high—1 in 329 residents versus Atlanta's 1 in 242.

Is it safe to walk in downtown Savannah at night?

It's generally safe in the touristy areas, as the majority of crimes are car break-ins and petty theft. However, it's always a good idea to avoid walking alone late at night anywhere in Savannah and use a rideshare.

What is the Best Time to Go to Savannah for Safety & Comfort?

March–May offers ideal conditions: mild weather (70s°F), lower humidity, and minimal hurricane/flood risks. September–November is a close second—avoid summer crowds and peak hurricane season (June–August). These periods align with Savannah's safest, most comfortable travel window.