Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Georgia
When choosing a new place to call home, feeling secure in your surroundings is essential. However, not all cities in Georgia offer the same level of safety. While the state boasts stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a rich history, it also has its share of cities with higher crime rates, especially during the evening hours. To help you make an informed decision, we've highlighted the most perilous cities in Georgia for 2023, using FBI data as our reference.
1. College Park, Georgia
Population: 15,204
College Park, located on the southern side of Atlanta, once again claims the title as Georgia's most perilous city. It's home to the world's busiest airport, but it also experiences a significant amount of crime. College Park reports the highest rate of violent crime in Georgia, including the 16th highest rate of rape cases and the highest murder rate. Property crime is also prevalent, with 213 car thefts reported in 2020.
2. Americus, Georgia
Population: 14,910
Americus ranks second among Georgia's most perilous cities. This city in Sumter County had the 13th highest rate of rape cases in the state, with 161 violent crimes reported in 2020. Americus also faces challenges with murder and burglary rates ranking 22nd and 15th highest statewide, respectively.
3. Garden City, Georgia
Population: 8,716
Garden City, despite its charming name and location near Savannah, ranks as the third riskiest city in Georgia. Surprisingly, it records the third-highest violent crime rate in the state.
4. Albany, Georgia
Population: 71,567
Albany, Georgia's seventh-largest city, stands as the fourth riskiest place to live in the state. In 2020, residents faced a 1 in 58 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Alarmingly, this is the second-highest violent crime rate in Georgia. Albany also has the state's second-highest burglary rate, with approximately two break-ins occurring daily.
5. Waycross, Georgia
Population: 13,363
Waycross, located in southeast Georgia, is a transportation hub but also has Georgia's fifth-highest crime rate. While its accessibility may seem appealing, it's unfortunately also home to higher crime rates, making those transportation routes handy for a swift escape.
6. Griffin, Georgia
Population: 22,773
Griffin, notable for its role in the First Amendment case Lovell v. City of Griffin in 1938, faces issues with high rates of larcenies and burglaries. It ranks among the top five cities in Georgia for these crimes.
7. Forest Park, Georgia
Population: 20,202
Situated just south of Atlanta, Forest Park saw a high number of car thefts and larcenies in 2020. The city also ranks among the top ten in Georgia for rape and murder rates, marking a significant change from the previous year.
8. Cordele, Georgia
Population: 10,451
Known as the Watermelon Capital of the World, Cordele attracts crowds every June for its Watermelon Festival. However, it also has a high number of larcenies and sexual assaults, ranking fifth in the state for these offenses.
9. LaGrange, Georgia
Population: 30,406
A short drive from the Alabama border, LaGrange offers history, culture, and outdoor activities. However, it also suffers from a high property crime rate, especially larcenies, making it the ninth most dangerous city in Georgia.
10. Eastman, Georgia
Population: 5,018
Eastman, known as the birthplace of Stuckey's pecan log roll, is the tenth most dangerous city in Georgia. It faces notable burglary and robbery rates.
While Georgia offers a mix of safe havens and more questionable neighborhoods, being aware of these high-crime areas can help you make an informed choice about where to live or visit in the state.