The 15 Most Dangerous Cities In Georgia: 2022's Ultimate List

Nick Durante
by Nick Durante
Georgia is a great state with a deep history, but like any state, it has many dangerous cities that require caution. Cities such as Americus, Dublin, and Griffin are among the 15 most dangerous cities in Georgia. Whether it be East Point, Warner Robbins, or Hapeville, let’s take a look at the most dangerous places to live in Georgia.

Georgia is home to many gorgeous sites, extravagant hotels, and hotspot restaurants. Sadly, Georgia is also home to many cities shrouded in crime. There are 10.62 million people that live in Georgia and 109 counties.

Visitors and potential residents of Georgia are left confused as to what cities are safe to visit or move to.

According to recent FBI statistics, the most dangerous cities in Georgia include East Point, Hapeville, College Park, Morrow, and Americus. Each of these cities ranks highest in both violent and property crimes per capita, ranking 120 – 404% worse than other Georgia cities. Other cities you want to avoid include Griffin, Douglasville, and College Park.

Atlanta is the most widely known Georgia city, and it has a reputation for its crime. However, as you’ll see, Atlanta doesn’t crack the top 10 most dangerous cities in Georgia.

Let’s look at the most dangerous cities in Georgia and the statistics that make them that way.

1. East Point

  • Population: 35,477
  • Violent Crime: 1,243
  • Property Crime: 12,005
  • Total Reported Crime: 13,247

You may know East Point by its proximity to Atlanta. East Point is 7.2 miles southwest of Atlanta. The mid-sized city spans 14.7 square miles and has a rate of 321 crimes per square mile.

Violent crime is less widespread than property crime in East Point, but it is often reported. In East Point, 1 out of 78 people are victims of violent crime. You risk having your property stolen in East Point, and recently there were 4,274 property crimes in a year.

In the city, 1 out of every 8 East Point residents face theft, burglary, or vehicle theft. You are more than four times more likely to experience property crime in East Point than in the rest of Georgia.

In 2020, there were a total of 13,247 reported crimes. These crimes included everything from murder and rape to property-based incidents.

According to FBI statistics, there were 1,243 incidents of violent crimes and 12,005 property crimes. With a population of 35,477, these numbers guarantee a good chance of becoming a victim of either type of crime.

2. Hapeville

  • Population: 6,658
  • Violent Crime: 742
  • Property Crime: 11,155
  • Total Reported Crime: 11,896

When you first look at the number of annual crimes, Hapeville may not seem that dangerous. However, there are only 6,537 residents in Hapeville, and 1 out of 9 of them experience property crime. The 789 property crimes in Hapeville account for over 10% of the population.

The majority of the property crime reports in Hapeville are for theft. Theft has a rate of 91 per 1,000 Hapeville residents. Other property crimes like vehicle theft and burglary are common in the city, with 68 and 75 reports, respectively.

A total of 11,896 crimes were reported in 2020. Murder and rape were among the offenses committed, as were property-related incidents.

According to FBI records, there were 742 violent crimes and 11,155 property crimes. With a population of 6,658, these figures ensure that you will be a victim of crime.

3. College Park

  • Population: 14,434
  • Violent Crime: 1,756
  • Property Crime: 6,143
  • Total Reported Crime: 7,899

College Park is home to a lot of crime, and 79 out of 1,000 residents are affected. Property crime is rampant in College Park and affects 1 out of 15 residents. Theft is the leading property crime, and there have been 691 cases this year.

There have not been any reports of murder in College Park this year, but there have been many violent crimes. Assault leads the violent crime category with 100 recent reports. There have also been 52 robberies and 6 rapes in College Park in the last year.

In 2020 there were a total of 7,899 reported crimes. These included everything from murder and rape to car theft and burglary. Of this total, there were 1,756 violent crimes and 6,143 property crimes reported per capita.

4. Morrow

  • Population: 7,609
  • Violent Crime: 519
  • Property Crime: 7,493
  • Total Reported Crime: 8,011

Morrow is a small suburb of Atlanta that is part of the Atlanta metropolitan region. It has recently been added to the list of Georgia’s most dangerous cities as a result of an increase in larceny reports.

Morrow’s crime rate is about 300 percent higher than the national average in 2021. However, the crime rate is high due to the tiny population. Depending on how the city responds to the latest surge of crime, this could alter.

A total of 8,011 crimes were reported in 2020. Murder and rape were among the crimes committed, as were property-related incidents.

According to FBI records, there were 519 violent crimes and 7,493 property crimes. With a population of 7,609, these figures ensure that you will be a victim of any form of crime.

5. Americus

  • Population: 16,185
  • Violent Crime: 1,080
  • Property Crime: 5,231
  • Total Reported Crime: 6,311

Americus is plagued by poverty, and 42.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The biggest hazard that Americus residents live with is property crime. This year, there have been 752 thefts reported in the city.

Burglary is another danger in Americus, and the rate is 9.86 burglaries per 1,000 residents. Luckily, violent crime is not reported as frequently in Americus. For every 113 Americus residents, 1 of them will be victimized in a violent crime.

According to FBI statistics, there have been a total of 6,311 reported crimes for Americus. These crimes included murder, rape, assault, grand theft auto, and other property incidents.

However, the amount of property crime far surpassed violent crime. In 2020, 1,080 violent crimes and 5,231 property crimes were reported per capita.

Many people know Americus for its famed hotel, the Windsor. Try to avoid mid-city and Arles in Americus, or simply exercise caution when in the neighborhood.

6. Griffin

  • Population: 22,875
  • Violent Crime: 1,133
  • Property Crime: 4,786
  • Total Reported Crime: 5,919

There are 36 miles that separate Griffin from Atlanta. Griffin is not as widely known as Atlanta, but its staggering crime statistics could earn it infamy. There are 59 crimes for every 1,000 people living in Griffin.

Griffin is a moderately sized city and covers just over 14 square miles. Residents in Griffin face 96 crimes for each square mile of the city. Areas like Pomona and North 2nd Street are particularly dangerous, and you should exercise caution.

In 2020 there were a total of 5,919 reported crimes. These included everything from murder and rape to car theft and burglary. Of this total, 1,133 violent crimes and 4,786 property crimes were reported per capita.

The national average poverty rate is 13.1%, but 31.4% of Griffin residents live below the poverty line. Griffin boasts the 2nd most violent crimes per capita in Georgia, and there have been 261 reports so far.

7. Douglasville

  • Population: 32,317
  • Violent Crime: 567
  • Property Crime: 5,208
  • Total Reported Crime: 5,775

Douglasville, located in the western section of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, has a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Despite a strong feeling of community and many family-friendly activities, the city has seen an unfortunate spike in larceny and property crime rates.

In 2020, there were a total of 5,775 reported crimes. These crimes included everything from murder and rape to property-based incidents.

According to FBI statistics, there were 567 incidents of violent crimes and 5,208 property crimes. With a population of 32,317, these numbers guarantee a good chance of becoming a victim of either type of crime.

8. Forest Park

  • Population: 19,156
  • Violent Crime: 1,005
  • Property Crime: 4,341
  • Total Reported Crime: 5,346

Forest Park, which is part of the Atlanta metropolitan region, has seen a spike in crime after previously not being on the list of Georgia’s most dangerous communities.

Despite its dense suburban feel, Forest Park has rape and homicide rates that are among the top 10 in the state. In recent months, there have also been a significant number of property and larceny offenses.

A total of 5,346 offenses were reported in 2020. Murder, rape, car theft, and burglary were among the crimes committed. There were 1,005 violent crimes and 4,341 property crimes reported per capita out of this total.

9. Albany

  • Population: 98,425
  • Violent Crime: 902
  • Property Crime: 2,751
  • Total Reported Crime: 3,654

Not to be confused with the city in New York, Albany is a large and dangerous Georgia city. If you know your way around Albany, you can avoid some of the hazardous areas. Neighborhoods in Albany, such as West Gordon Ave and Nottingham Way, are hotbeds for crime.

There have been 3,847 property crimes and 824 violent crimes in Albany this year. Your chances of falling victim to property crime are higher than violent crime at 1 out of 20. Theft is the highest reported property crime in Albany, and residents reported 2,804 cases this year.

Violent crime is another part of life in Albany, and 1 out of 91 residents are victimized. There have been 15 murders in Albany this year and 664 assaults reported.

In the year 2020, 3,654 crimes were reported. Murder and rape, as well as property-related incidents, were among the crimes committed.

According to FBI records, there were 902 violent crimes and 2,751 property crimes. With a population of 98,425, you are almost certain to be a victim of some sort of crime.

10. Eastman

  • Population: 5,315
  • Violent Crime: 917
  • Property Crime: 3,926
  • Total Reported Crime: 4,896

Violent crime is twice as common in Eastman as it is in the rest of Georgia and the nation. Eastman is a small city both in physical size and population. The city is confined within 6.5 square miles.

Crime exists throughout all of Eastman, and there are 87 crimes per square mile. City Center is the most dangerous part of Eastman. Lock your doors and install an alarm if you live in Eastman because 1 in 12 residents experience property crime.

According to FBI statistics, there were a total of 4,896 reported crimes for the Eastman area in the 2020 calendar year. These included both violent and property crimes.

Of the total crime tally, there were 917 violent crimes and 3,926 property crimes reported per capita. This is among a city with a population of 5,315.

11. Warner Robins

  • Population: 73,265
  • Violent Crime: 631
  • Property Crime: 4,648
  • Total Reported Crime: 5,279

Warner Robins is as big and spread out as it is dangerous. The entire city measures 37.97 square miles. Sadly, however, each square mile in Warner Robins is home to 131 crimes.

The population of Warner Robins is huge, and 1 in 4.6 residents live in poverty. Warner Robins residents should be most worried about property crime. There are more than twice as many property crimes in Warner Robins as the rest of Georgia.

According to FBI statistics, the Warner Robins area had a total of 5,279 reported crimes in the calendar year 2020. There were both violent and property offenses among them.

There were 631 violent crimes and 4,648 property crimes registered per capita out of the total number of crimes reported. This is in the context of a city with a population of 73,265 people.

12. Bainbridge

  • Population: 12,492
  • Violent Crime: 766
  • Property Crime: 3,715
  • Total Reported Crime: 4,481

Bainbridge is a picturesque town in southern Georgia, located in Decatur County. The town features many tree-lined streets and historic Victorian homes and structures, as it was one of the first European settlements.

Despite its allure, Bainbridge has seen an alarming rise in crime, with aggravated assault, larceny, and property crimes all increasing at rates nearly 85 percent higher than the national average.

A total of 4,481 offenses were reported in 2020. Murder, rape, car theft, and burglary were among the crimes committed. There were 766 violent crimes and 3,715 property crimes reported per capita out of this total.

13. Waynesboro

  • Population: 5,755
  • Violent Crime: 358
  • Property Crime: 3,146
  • Total Reported Crime: 3,504

Waynesboro, Georgia’s easternmost city, is about 30 miles south of Augusta and has a small-town atmosphere. Unfortunately, Waynesboro has one of Georgia’s highest homicide rates.

According to FBI statistics, there have been a total of 3,504 reported crimes for Waynesboro. These crimes included murder, rape, assault, grand theft auto, and other property incidents.

However, the amount of property crime surpassed violent crime. In 2020, there were 358 violent crimes and 3,146 property crimes reported per capita.

14. Brunswick

  • Population: 15,997
  • Violent Crime: 567
  • Property Crime: 2,847
  • Total Reported Crime: 3,414

Cities like Brunswick with a high poverty rate are often home to crime. A shocking 39% of Brunswick residents live in poverty, and 1 out of 93 of them suffer violent crimes. Many people in Brunswick are robbed, and there are 39 thefts per 1,000 residents.

Brunswick is closer to Savannah than it is to Atlanta, and it sits along the coast. There are some beautiful sights to behold in Brunswick. However, considering that 65 out of 1,000 residents experience a crime, it comes at a cost.

Luckily, crime has declined by over 30% in Brunswick since 2014. There are many jobs in Brunswick as it is located near a major shipping port.

According to FBI statistics, there have been a total of 3,414 reported crimes for Brunswick. These crimes included murder, rape, assault, grand theft auto, and other property incidents.

However, the amount of property crime surpassed violent crime. In 2020, there were 567 violent crimes and 2,847 property crimes reported per capita.

15. Dublin

  • Population: 16,189
  • Violent Crime: 537
  • Property Crime: 2,692
  • Total Reported Crime: 3,228

You can make it to Atlanta from Dublin in 2 hours and 30 minutes, and it is much safer than Dublin. The city of Dublin is the 9th most violent in Georgia. Between 2017 and 2018, crime increased by 25% in Dublin.

The increase in crime in Dublin may be due to the 34.2% poverty rate. Vehicle theft, theft, and burglary make up 774 of crimes in Dublin this last year. In Dublin, 1 out of 20 residents have property stolen or their home burglarized.

According to FBI statistics, there were a total of 3,228 reported crimes for the Dublin area in the 2020 calendar year. These included both violent and property crimes.

Of the total crime tally, there were 537 violent crimes and 2,692 property crimes reported per capita. This is among a city with a population of 16,189.


Related Questions

Is Georgia a safe state to live in?

Yes, Georgia is safe, but there are many areas that are not. Violent crime is 12% below the rest of the United States in Georgia. However, property crime is almost 20% more common in Georgia.


What is the safest city in Georgia to live?

Holly Springs is the safest city that you can live in Georgia. There is only 1 violent crime per 1,000 people in Holly Springs.


What city in Georgia has the most violent crimes?

East Point has the highest rate of violent crimes in Georgia. There are 12 violent crimes per 1,000 people in East Point.

What Did We Learn?

East Point, College Park, and Eastman are the most dangerous cities in Georgia. Property crime is the most widely reported crime in Georgia. East Point alone has had over 3,000 thefts this year.

Consider cities like Holly Springs if you want to mitigate the risk of violent or property crime. Hopefully, things turn around for these Georgia cities, and the state keeps up with the 7% decline in crime in recent years.

If you plan to visit any of these cities, take a glance at a crime map and keep your wits about you!

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Nick Durante
Nick Durante

Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.

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