Georgia is a state that boasts a vibrant history, a varied culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. However, not all of its towns possess the same allure for potential residents. There are certain towns that struggle with higher crime rates, lower incomes, subpar education systems, and limited opportunities. As per the most recent census data and other reliable sources, these are the towns that individuals are eager to escape from at the earliest opportunity.

7 Georgia Towns People Are Leaving Behind

Town	Populationa	Poverty Rate	Median Household Income	Unemployment Rate	Violent Crime Rate	Bachelor’s Degree Attainment
East Point	35000	24.4	41622	9.4	1467	19.5
College Park	15000	35.2	31951	11.8	1413	18.9
Forest Park	20000	36.6	28631	12.4	1038	11.6
Americus	15000	34.9	30359	10.2	1003	16.8
Cordele	11000	38.4	25191	9.9	996	11.4
Albany	75000	32.3	33436	9.6	948	19.4
Union City	22000	24.9	37238	9.5	921	17.9

1. East Point

East Point, a suburb of Atlanta, is home to approximately 35,000 residents. Regrettably, it is considered one of the most perilous areas in Georgia, with a violent crime rate of 1,467 per 100,000 inhabitants, surpassing the national average by fourfold. Additionally, the poverty rate stands at 24.4%, while the median household income is a modest $41,622. The unemployment rate is 9.4%, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the community. In terms of education, only 19.5% of adults in East Point have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a low educational attainment.

2. College Park

College Park, a suburb of Atlanta, boasts a population of approximately 15,000 residents. Notably, it is also the proud home of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport worldwide. However, despite this prominent feature, the town itself faces several challenges. With a poverty rate of 35.2% and a median household income of $31,951, College Park struggles economically. Additionally, an unemployment rate of 11.8% further exacerbates the situation. Sadly, the crime rate is alarmingly high, with a staggering 1,413 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by over four times. Moreover, the educational attainment in College Park lags behind, with only 18.9% of adults possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher.

3. Forest Park

Forest Park, located in Clayton County, is home to approximately 20,000 residents. Unfortunately, it is considered one of the most impoverished areas in Georgia, with a poverty rate of 36.6%. The median household income stands at $28,631, reflecting the economic challenges faced by the community. Unemployment is also a significant concern, with a rate of 12.4%. Moreover, Forest Park struggles with a high crime rate, witnessing 1,038 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is more than three times the national average. Additionally, the educational attainment in the area is relatively low, with only 11.6% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

4. Americus

Americus, a town located in Sumter County, is home to approximately 15,000 residents. Notably, this is the birthplace of Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to constructing affordable housing for low-income families. However, despite this noble cause, living in Americus itself can be financially challenging, as the poverty rate stands at 34.9%. Additionally, the median household income is $30,359, and the unemployment rate is 10.2%. The town also grapples with a high crime rate, with 1,003 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by over threefold. Furthermore, educational attainment levels are low, with only 16.8% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

5. Cordele

Cordele, a town in Crisp County, is home to approximately 11,000 residents. Renowned as the “Watermelon Capital of the World,” it hosts an annual watermelon festival. However, behind its festive reputation lies a less favorable reality. Cordele struggles with a poverty rate of 38.4%, a median household income of $25,191, and an unemployment rate of 9.9%. The town also faces a high crime rate, with 996 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is more than three times the national average. Additionally, educational attainment is low, as only 11.4% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

6. Albany

Albany, a city in Dougherty County, is home to approximately 75,000 people. This vibrant city holds significant historical importance as it is the birthplace of Ray Charles, an iconic singer and pianist. However, despite its musical roots, Albany faces its fair share of challenges. The poverty rate stands at 32.3%, and the median household income is $33,436. Moreover, the unemployment rate is 9.6%, contributing to the city’s socio-economic struggles. Additionally, Albany experiences a high crime rate, with 948 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by more than threefold. Furthermore, educational attainment remains a concern, with only 19.4% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

7. Union City

Union City, a suburb of Atlanta, is home to approximately 22,000 residents. While it serves as the headquarters for Carmike Cinemas, a well-known movie theater chain, the town itself lacks in entertainment options. With a poverty rate of 24.9%, the median household income standing at $37,238, and an unemployment rate of 9.5%, Union City faces significant economic challenges. Additionally, the town experiences a high crime rate, with 921 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is more than three times the national average. Furthermore, the educational attainment in Union City is relatively low, with only 17.9% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Conclusion

According to recent census data and various sources, there are seven towns in Georgia that are experiencing significant population decline. These towns are known for their high crime rates, low incomes, inadequate education systems, and limited opportunities. As a result, they are not considered desirable places to live, and many residents are actively seeking better alternatives elsewhere. It’s important to note that while Georgia boasts numerous wonderful towns, these particular ones do not fall into that category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Georgia Towns Facing Challenges

1. Why are these Georgia towns facing population decline?

A: High crime rates, low incomes, economic challenges, limited opportunities, and inadequate education systems contribute to the decline.

2. Which town has the highest crime rate?

A: East Point, with a violent crime rate of 1,467 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by fourfold.

3. What is the common economic struggle?

A: High poverty rates, low median household incomes, and elevated unemployment rates are common economic challenges.

4. How do educational attainment levels vary?

A: Educational attainment is low, ranging from 11.4% to 19.5% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

5. Are there alternative desirable towns in Georgia?

A: Yes, Georgia has many wonderful towns; however, the mentioned towns face socio-economic issues and are not considered desirable.

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