Georgia is known for its Southern charm, historic cities, and scenic landscapes. From the vibrant streets of Atlanta to the coastal beauty of Savannah and the mountain views of North Georgia, the state attracts millions of visitors each year and remains a popular place to call home.
However, like many states across America, Georgia faces public safety challenges in certain communities. While most residents enjoy safe neighborhoods and thriving local economies, some cities continue to report significantly higher-than-average violent crime rates.
Quick Guide
- State: Georgia
- Ranking Factor: Violent crimes per 100,000 residents
- Includes: Assault, robbery, rape, and homicide
- Safest Approach: Research neighborhoods before visiting or relocating
- Key Finding: Several cities report violent crime rates more than double the Georgia average
- Source: areavibes
Using the latest available crime data, we’ve identified the 10 most dangerous cities in Georgia based on violent crimes per 100,000 residents. These statistics provide a closer look at where crime remains a concern and highlight the ongoing efforts communities are making to improve safety.
10. Rome
- Population: 37,605
- 782 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.14
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 128
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,976
Rounding out our list at #10 is Rome, GA. With a population of 37,605 and a violent crime rate of 782 per 100,000 people (140% higher than the Georgia average), some parts of Rome are incredible unsafe. The violent crime rate consists of 612 counts of assault, 81 counts of robbery, 81 counts of rape and 8 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 128 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
9. Garden City
- Population: 9,315
- 811 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.22
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 123
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,024
Economic conditions, education, social environment, law enforcement and urbanization can all have an impact on crime rates. Feeling the effects of most of those issues, Garden City, GA comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in Georgia with a violent crime rate of 811 per 100,000 people. If we break that down, the city sees 2.22 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 123 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
8. Albany
- Population: 74,905
- 824 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.26
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 121
- Total Crimes / 100k: 2,432
Albany, GA is another one of the most dangerous cities in Georgia and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 74,905 and a violent crime rate of 824 per 100,000 people.
Of those crimes, there were 686 counts of assault, 53 counts of robbery, 59 counts of rape and 26 counts of homicide. All told, the Albany violent crime rate is 153% higher than the Georgia average.
7. Griffin
- Population: 23,351
- 965 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.65
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 104
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,287
A 1 in 104 chance of becoming a victim of crime and 2.65 violent crimes per day – those are some fairly good reasons why Griffin makes the list at #7.
According to the most recent annual crime report, there were 965 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which translates to a violent crime rate that is 196% higher than the Georgia average. The number of violent crimes takes into account the following categories: assault (780), robbery (91), rape (83) and homicide (12).
6. Waycross
- Population: 13,957
- 1,033 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.83
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 97
- Total Crimes / 100k: 6,061
Waycross, GA comes in at number 6 on our list, with a violent crime rate of 1,033 per 100,000 people, which is 217% higher than the Georgia average.
Waycross has a population of 13,957, which translates to 2.83 crimes per day and 1 in 97 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. As with most cities, a high violent crime rate does not mean that all areas are unsafe, as there are definitely some areas in Waycross which are much safer than others.
5. Cordele
- Population: 10,933
- 1,106 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.03
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 90
- Total Crimes / 100k: 5,327
The ongoing battle with crime in Cordele, GA, is not a new issue – which is why there’s no surprise that this city has made the list. With a violent crime rate of 1,106 and a 1 in 90 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (per 100,000 people), Cordele has a violent crime rate that is 240% higher than the Georgia average.
Higher than average poverty and unemployment rates as well as a lack of available well-paying jobs, are most likely all contributing to the high rate of violent crime in Cordele.
4. Moultrie
- Population: 14,536
- 1,162 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.18
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 86
- Total Crimes / 100k: 6,070
With a violent crime rate that is 257% higher than the Georgia average, it’s not hard to see why Moultrie made the list. The city reported crime (per 100,000 residents) in the following categories: robbery (124), assault (969), rape (55) and homicide (14).
In regions where employment opportunities are scarce or where many jobs offer insufficient wages, the risk of increased unemployment and homelessness rises, this could be just some of the triggers that make Moultrie more vulnerable to high crime.
3. East Point
- Population: 36,363
- 1,204 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.30
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 83
- Total Crimes / 100k: 7,870
Home to 36,363 residents, East Point, GA ranks #3 on the list of most dangerous cities in Georgia. Unfortunately for residents of East Point, crime is widespread, with more than 1,204 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported last year.
When the numbers are analyzed, this translates to a staggering 3.30 crimes per day and a violent crime rate that is 270% higher than the Georgia violent crime rate.
2. College Park
- Population: 15,035
- 1,387 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 3.80
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 72
- Total Crimes / 100k: 8,731
The second most dangerous city is College Park. With a population of 15,035 and a violent crime rate that is 326% higher than the Georgia average, the city has seen better days.
The higher than average crime rates in College Park are not new, as violent crime has been a serious issue for many years and topped 1,387 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the last calendar year. In some areas, the riks are greater than others, as residents have a 1 in 72 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
1. Americus
- Population: 16,230
- 1,654 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 4.53
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 60
- Total Crimes / 100k: 5,585
Americus, GA holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in Georgia with 1,654 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (1,467), robbery (90), rape (64) and homicide (32) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 408% higher than the Georgia average.
Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.
Final Thoughts
Georgia remains one of the most diverse and culturally rich states in the country. While some cities continue to face public safety challenges, many communities are investing in economic growth, education, and crime-prevention initiatives to create safer environments for residents.
Understanding crime trends can help individuals make informed decisions when traveling, relocating, or exploring different parts of the state.
