2024 Watchlist: Top 5 Georgia Cities with Increased Safety Concerns

Navigating Georgia’s Neighborhoods Amidst Varied Crime Rates

Unveiling Georgia’s Crime Landscape: Identifying the Riskiest Georgia Cities for New Residents

According to Southwest Journal, When you’re settling into a new home, feeling safe is really important. But if you’re moving to Georgia, you need to know some places are safer than others. This state has amazing views and cool history, but some cities have more crime, especially at night. We looked at FBI data to figure out which cities in Georgia are the riskiest in 2024.

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2024 Watchlist: Top 5 Georgia Cities with Increased Safety Concerns. (PHOTO: Travel Safe Abroad))

Understanding Georgia’s Urban Safety Landscape for Prospective Residents

We checked out places with over 5,000 people and looked at how many violent and property crimes happen per person. Our goal is to give you the facts so you can decide if a place is right for you. Remember, we’re not judging the police – every city has safe areas too. Georgia is ranked kind of high among the states with more crime, sitting in the top third. The cities we mentioned are a big part of why people see Georgia this way. So, if you’re thinking about moving here, it’s smart to learn about the places before you make any big decisions.

5 Georgia Cities with Increased Safety Concerns

1. College Park. College Park, situated south of Atlanta, has once again clinched the top spot as Georgia’s most dangerous city, according to recent data. Despite being home to the world’s busiest airport, the city grapples with high levels of crime, reporting the state’s highest rate of violent offenses. This includes alarming rates of rape and the highest number of murders. Property crimes, such as car thefts, are also widespread, with 213 car thefts reported in 2020 alone. While the city has cultural significance, having produced renowned artists like Ludacris and 2 Chainz, its crime rates paint a stark reality for residents.

2. Americus. In Americus, a city nestled in Sumter County with a population of 14,910, worries regarding safety persist as it secures the second position among Georgia’s most hazardous areas. With a significant rate of violent crimes, including reported cases of rape, and rankings for murder and burglary rates among the highest in the state, residents must remain vigilant. However, despite these challenges, Americus proudly hosts the international headquarters for Habitat for Humanity, hinting at the potential for community-driven initiatives to address crime and enhance safety measures, possibly leading to a shift in its status in the future.

3. Garden City.Despite its peaceful name and appealing setting near Savannah, Garden City ranks as the third most risky city in Georgia. Despite its calm outward appearance, it has the state’s third-highest rate of violent crimes. This emphasizes the importance of staying alert and careful, even in seemingly safe places, to protect both locals and visitors.

4. Albany.Albany, Georgia’s seventh-largest city, ranks as the fourth riskiest place to reside in the state, despite its size. In 2020, residents faced a high risk of being victims of violent crimes, with statistics showing a concerning rate of one in every 58 individuals. Shockingly, this marks the second-highest violent crime rate in Georgia. Adding to the apprehension, Albany also reports the state’s second-highest burglary rate, with approximately two break-ins occurring daily. While Chehaw Park & Zoo may boast intimidating predators, the streets of Albany present far more alarming realities for its inhabitants.

5. Waycross. Positioned in southeast Georgia, Waycross plays a central role in transportation, earning its name from its historical importance as a key railroad junction in the 19th century. Despite its convenient connectivity, the city bears the unfortunate title of having the fifth-highest crime rate in Georgia. This unsettling fact implies that while its transportation links may offer convenience, individuals in Waycross must remain vigilant to safeguard their safety and well-being.

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