Georgia is becoming a popular destination for people who are looking for warmer weather, lower cost of living, and delicious southern cuisine. With approximately 100,000 new residents per year, it is a rapidly growing state. However, deciding where to move can be a difficult decision that requires careful planning. To ensure your safety, it is important to know which cities to avoid. In this article, we will explore the ten most dangerous cities in Georgia.
Top 10 of Georgia’s Most Dangerous Cities
1. College Park
According to recent statistics, College Park is considered the most perilous city in Georgia. With a population of 35,000, it has a violent crime rate of 7,909 per 100,000 people, making it 228% more hazardous than the Georgia average. In the year 2022, the crime rates were alarmingly high, leaving residents with a 1 in 7 chance of being a victim of any kind of crime. Property crimes were the most prevalent, while violent crimes were relatively low. Despite its notorious reputation, the city of College Park is currently undergoing numerous renovation projects aimed at revitalizing the area and making it a safer place to live in 2023.
2. East Point
East Point, a city in Georgia, holds the dubious distinction of being one of the most dangerous cities in the state, with a crime rate 465% higher than the national average. With a population of just over 35,000, residents have a 1 in 68 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. In 2022, the city recorded 545 cases of violent crime and 3,741 instances of property crime. Interestingly, the likelihood of falling prey to property crime is much higher than that of violent crime, with a 1 in 10 chance of becoming a victim.
3. Cordele
Cordele, situated in Crisp County, is considered to be one of the most perilous cities in Georgia. With a population of 11,147, the crime rate in the city is 133% higher than the state average. In fact, Cordele made headlines in 2012 for having the 4th highest murder rate and property crime rate in Georgia. Unfortunately, the situation hasn’t improved much in recent years, and residents still face an overall 1 in 11 chance of falling victim to any type of crime.
4. Jesup
Jesup, with a population of 9,800, has a crime rate of 5,774 per 100k people. This means that the city’s crime rate is 140% higher than the Georgia average. Unfortunately, in 2021, there were 46 violent crimes and 406 reported property crimes in the area. It’s worth noting that many of the crimes in Jesup are directly linked to poverty and a lack of opportunity in the region.
5. Douglasville
Located in Douglas County, Douglasville is a city with a population of 34,650. Unfortunately, the city has a high crime rate of 5,775 per 100,000 people, which is 140% more dangerous than the state average. In 2021, the city reported 195 incidents of violent crimes and 1,792 cases of property crimes. As a resident or visitor, one has a 1 in 18 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The high rate of violent crimes in the city is mainly attributed to gang activity.
6. Griffin
With a population of 23,478, Griffin has a high crime rate of 5,919 per 100,000 individuals. In comparison to other cities in Georgia, Griffin is 146% more dangerous. This means that residents in Griffin have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. Unfortunately, Griffin had seven murders, fifteen burglaries, and 213 assaults in 2021, making it one of the most violent cities in Georgia. The likelihood of experiencing any type of property crime is 1 in 21, which is quite concerning.
7. Brunswick
Located near the Georgia coast in Glynn County, Brunswick is considered one of the most perilous places to reside in Georgia. With a population of 15,210, the crime rate in Brunswick is 42% higher than the national average, making the overall chance of becoming a victim of crime 1 in 24. In 2022, there were 202 reported violent crimes and 637 property crimes in the area. Nevertheless, Brunswick continues to thrive as an economic powerhouse due to its strategic proximity to coastal ports.
8. Moultrie
Moultrie, a city with a population of 14,000, has a crime rate of 4,331. Unfortunately, the total crime rate in Moultrie is 80% higher than the Georgia average. This means that residents of Moultrie have an overall 1 in 24 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. Most of the violent crimes in Moultrie are robberies and assaults, with only two recorded murders in 2021. Considering the city’s population, this is still a high number. Moreover, in the same year, Moultrie was among the top ten cities 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. Shockingly, the crime rate in Macon is 62% higher than the state average, making it a dangerous place to live. Unfortunately, residents have a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. In 2021, Macon has already reported over 1,459 violent crimes and 5,233 property crimes. Moreover, the city holds the undesirable record of leading the country in homicides, with gun violence being rampant in the area. It’s alarming to note that much of the crime in Macon comes from gang activity and the drug trade, making it an even more dangerous place to live. With a 1 in 109 chance of becoming a victim of any type of violent crime, it’s essential to be vigilant while living in Macon.
10. Atlanta
Atlanta, being one of the major cultural and economic centres of Georgia, has a crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 people. The prevalence of crime in the city varies significantly depending on the location, with the South and Southwest parts of the city experiencing the worst of it. According to recent statistics, Atlanta witnessed 3,724 violent incidents and 18,635 property crime incidents in 2021 alone. This means that the chances of falling victim to a property crime are 1 in 27, while the chances of becoming the victim of a violent crime are 1 in 134.
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