Albany, GA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Albany, GA

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Albany crime rate is lower than the national average by 53.1%. Specifically, there were 229 violent crimes in Albany, equivalent to 334 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 9.8%. Furthermore, Albany recorded 519 property crimes, amounting to 756 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 61.3%.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Albany has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 334 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Albany stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Albany, a total of 16 murders were reported, equating to 23 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Albany?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Albany residents. Out of the respondents (132 in total), 11% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Albany were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 89% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Albany a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Albany is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Albany has a total crime rate that is 53% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.05 daily crimes (0.63 violent daily crimes and 1.42 daily property crimes) in Albany.

Has Crime in Albany Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Albany. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Albany has decreased by 81.7%. Violent crimes have decreased by 79.4%, while property crimes have decreased by 82.6%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Albany

Albany has a poverty rate that stands at 29.7, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Albany crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Albany reports an unemployment rate of 6.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Albany crime rates.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Albany, 76.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Albany crime map