Most Dangerous Cities in Georgia: Crime Stats and Safety Tips

Georgia’s overall crime rates are near the national average, but certain cities like College Park and East Point see far higher violence. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s report, Georgia saw about 33,414 violent crimes and 172,058 property crimes last year. 

However, College Park and Macon have much higher crime rates than the state’s average. For example, you have around a 1-in-13 chance of being a victim in College Park, compared to the 1-in-55 chance in Georgia. 

In this article, we examine the most dangerous cities in Georgia based on NeighborhoodScout and FBI data. Read till the end to learn the best tips to stay safe in such dangerous neighborhoods. 

How We Ranked Georgia’s Most Dangerous Cities?

We use Neighborhood Scout’s quantified database and Numbeo’s real-time analytics to list the most dangerous cities in Georgia. NeighborhoodScout helped us by providing annual crime indexes in each city. And Numbeo gave qualitative crime levels and trends

A Quick Snapshot of Crime Rates in Georgia

According to NeighborhoodScout, Georgia’s statewide crime levels are slightly below the USA median. Its violent crime rate is 3.52 per 1000 people, which is slightly lower than the national median of 4 per 1000 residents. The same is the case with the property crime rate of 18.23 per 1000 (versus the USA median of 19). 

Your overall chance of being a crime victim in Georgia is about 1 in 284 for violent crime and 1 in 55 for property crime. But within Georgia, rates vary widely, as some suburbs (Johns Creek, Milton) are far safer, while cities like College Park or East Point have violent crime rates many times higher.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Georgia

Below, we discuss the ten cities with the highest crime rates in Georgia. Each profile cites NeighborhoodScout for the latest crime rates and likelihood of victimization. Go through the quick list and their details to identify the top-most dangerous cities in Georgia.

1. College Park

Just south of Atlanta, College Park has long carried a reputation for its crime levels. In recent years, its violent crime rate reached approximately 17.96 per 1,000 residents, and property crime about 79.33 per 1,000. 

This translates to over ten times higher chances of being victimized than statewide odds. Some pockets near downtown CP, including areas near College Park Mall, are riskier. 

2. East Point

Bordering College Park, East Point shares many of the same violent pressures but also its own distinct crime patterns. Here, the violent crime rate is around 11.36 per 1000, and property crime is about 82.07 per 1000. 

Once a thriving working-class city, parts of this most dangerous city in Georgia now struggle with disinvestment. Some sectors, especially near Langford Parkway, experience frequent car thefts and burglaries.

3. Macon

With a combined crime rate of around 53 per 1000 residents, Macon’s rates are among the highest in the nation.Its violent crime rate is about 9.96, and property crime reaches 23.16 per 1000 residents.Much of Macon’s crime is clustered in older neighborhoods, such as Pleasant Hill and around the Vineville area.

In addition, Macon’s rise in crime is often linked to economic decline and uneven policing. Macon’s crime rate is very high, with the level of crime reaching 86.96 and beyond.

4. Forest Park

Just a little way from downtown Atlanta, Forest Park has a lower violent crime rate relative to College Park or East Point. Its violent crime rate is roughly 4.61 per 1000 residents, and property crime reaches about 46.71 per 1000.

According to one analysis, robbery, burglary, and car theft dominate here. Moreover, the areas of Georgia's most dangerous city closer to the airport tend to be more vulnerable after dusk. 

5. Atlanta

Atlanta's citywide violent crime rate is around 7.18 per 1000, with a property crime rate of 40.42 per 1000. The level of crime has been increasing in the past 5 years, reaching high values of around 74.

However, upper-class areas like Buckhead and Inman Park are among the safer zones. On the other hand, southwest Atlanta and parts of the downtown core struggle with persistent gang activity and shootings. 

6. Americus

This small southwest Georgia city has a violent crime rate of 6.38 and a property crime 42.59 per 1000. Americus’s position on the list has been linked to very high unemployment and poverty. Additionally, this is the most dangerous city in Georgia, struggling with active drug trafficking gangs in the region. 

Americus also suffers from major robberies and assaults throughout the year. The downtown area, in particular, is known to be risky late at night. 

7. Rome

Present in the foothills of northwest Georgia, Rome faces safety challenges that mirror bigger cities in the state. Its total crime rate sits above state norms, with roughly 4.73 violent crimes and 44.31 property crimes per 1000 residents. 

Many crime incidents are centered around older public housing units and downtown streets after dark. City officials and local activists frequently call for improved lighting and investment in youth services to resolve unrest in those zones.

8. Augusta

The crime level of Augusta has been increasing in this Georgia’s most dangerous city in the last 5 years at the rate of 69.85. It has a high level of incidents, with a violent crime rate of 5.69 and a property crime level reaching 33.26 per 1000 residents. 

Mostly, auto theft and burglary incidents are reported due to limited patrol coverage. While some neighborhoods maintain lower incident levels, the east side sees disproportionate crime.

9. Albany

Situated in southwest Georgia, Albany has unfortunately become a frequent headline for serious crime. The city records a violent crime rate of 9.96 and a property crime rate of 23.16 per 1000 people. In many ways, Albany exemplifies the social crisis model, with high unemployment and easy access to firearms all intersecting. 

The crime index value of Albany is around 78.47, and the level of crime is reaching over 71. Neighborhoods like Westwood, Arcadia Heights, and Putney are often flagged by locals as high-risk zones after dark.

10. Columbus

Located on the Georgia - Alabama border, Columbus suffers from a high crime level of 73.33. Breaking down these stats, this city shows a violent crime rate of 6.16, and the property crime level reaches 25.74 per 1000. 

Some neighborhoods like Midtown and Green Island Hills remain relatively safer in this top-most dangerous city in Georgia. Still, those living or traveling in less-developed corridors should remain alert, especially at night. 

What are the Main Reasons for High Crime in These Georgia Cities?

The following factors are often cited as driving factors in increasing crime levels in the most dangerous cities in Georgia.

• Economic Inequality and Poverty: Mostly, low-income neighborhoods see far more crime. Data show cities on our list often have poverty rates 3 to 5 times the state average. 
• Unemployment: Lack of jobs raises crime, as Americus’s high unemployment correlates with its surge in gang activity and thefts. Many of Georgia's most dangerous cities saw factory closures and increasing joblessness.
• Drug and Gang Activity: Neighborhoods in East Point and Macon have gangs competing over markets, leading to shootings and robberies. Interviews with law enforcement note that narcotics-related robberies are common in high-crime neighborhoods.
• Easy Firearm Access: Georgia has relatively permissive gun laws and a high gun-ownership rate. In 2023, the state’s gun homicide rate was about 18.6 per 100,000, well above the USA average.

How Can You Keep Yourself Safe in the Most Violent Cities in Georgia?

Living or traveling in high-crime areas calls for caution and preparation. Here are steps to stay safer in the top-most dangerous cities in Georgia:

1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Always trust your instincts while living in the most violent places, so if an area feels unsafe, leave immediately. You also need to avoid distractions (like texting or using headphones) when walking, especially after dark.

2. Secure Your Home with Security Cameras

Security experts recommend that all citizens install home cameras to deter burglars. eufy’s security cameras can help in this regard, as they offer 360° coverage and smart AI detection without monthly fees. 

For example, the eufyCam 3 Pro provides crisp 2K video day or night and even a built-in spotlight to scare off intruders. With features like extended battery life and removable storage, eufy cameras let you monitor your property at a low cost.

3. Avoid Roaming Around at Night

Most violent incidents in Georgia cities occur between 10 PM and 2 AM, especially near bars or convenience stores. So, never walk alone down dark streets or through deserted parking lots after sunset. If you must go out at night, consider ride-sharing and let someone know your route.

4. Install Advanced Home Security Systems

In the most violent cities in Georgia, a full home alarm system provides extra peace of mind. Modern systems like the eufy ExpertSecure E10 offer instant video verification by a professional monitoring center. Moreover, it combines local AI agents to detect threats up to 40 ft away.

If an alarm triggers during a break-in, the system’s cameras immediately notify the monitoring center, which then uses the indoor camera to verify the situation. In case the break-in is confirmed, the monitoring system contacts the user as well as alerts the police in seconds.

What are the Safest Cities in Georgia to Move Into?

Below are some of the safest cities with their crime metrics to help you avoid Georgia’s most dangerous cities:

• Holly Springs: Its total crime rate is just 4.71 per 1000 residents. Your chance of being the victim of any violent crime here is just about 1 in 9770.

• Cumming: Just north of Atlanta, Cumming only has a total crime rate of about 4.86 per 1,000, with violent crimes extremely low (0.63 per 1,000). That gives odds of around 1 in 1579 for violent crime and 1 in 237 for property crime. 

• Johns Creek: Its combined crime rate stands at about 6.39 per 1,000, with a violent crime rate as low as 0.64 per 1000 residents. Factors, such as strong school districts and city services, play an important role in safety. 

• Milton: With a violent crime rate of 0.87 and property crime reaching around 5.65 per 1000 residents, this city is pretty safe.Your chance of being affected by violent crime sits around 1 in 1150. 

• Canton: It has a total crime rate of 9.31 per 1000, with a chance of violent crime at about 1 in 647, and a risk of property crime at 1 in 129.

To learn more about the safest cities in Georgia, visit our article and analyze their safety data.

Conclusion

While Georgia’s overall crime stats are moderate, the most dangerous cities listed above have far higher crime rates. Poverty, unemployment, and easy firearm access combine to create pockets of danger in Georgia. If you live in or visit any high-crime city, the key is to stay alert and join neighborhood watches. 

In the most dangerous cities in Georgia, installing modern security systems is the way to go. With the eufy ExpertSecure E10 system, you can detect intrusions and notify authorities immediately. So, you can protect yourself and your family even in a dangerous neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia safe to visit? 

Yes, most of Georgia is safe for visitors. Cities like Savannah, Augusta, and tourist areas in Atlanta are relatively safe. Moreover, Georgia’s overall crime rates are below national medians. However, you have to use common-sense safety, and you’ll likely have no issues.

Is Georgia a safe place to live in 2025?

Atlanta has both safe and unsafe parts. Many suburbs and some city neighborhoods (Buckhead, Virginia Highlands) have very low crime. However, inner Atlanta has experienced elevated violent and property crime. The latest data show one in about 139 Atlantans is a victim of violent crime. 

What is the most common crime in Georgia? 

By far, the most common crimes in Georgia are property crimes, especially theft and burglary. In 2024, Georgia saw about 172,058 property crime incidents. So statistically, you are many times more likely to be a property-crime victim than a violent-crime victim in Georgia.