Atlanta, GA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Atlanta, 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 Atlanta crime rate is higher than the national average by 97.4%. Specifically, there were 4167 violent crimes in Atlanta, equivalent to 841 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 127.3%. Furthermore, Atlanta recorded 18579 property crimes, amounting to 3748 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 91.8%.

With a total of 4589 crimes per 100,000 people, the Atlanta crime rates stand at 97.43 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Atlanta, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

With a violent crime rate of 841 crimes per 100,000 residents, Atlanta is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Atlanta ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 119 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Atlanta stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Atlanta, there were a total of 168 murders, translating to 34 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Atlanta reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3748 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 27 chance of falling victim to property crime in Atlanta, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Atlanta has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Atlanta reported 3303 vehicle thefts, which equates to 666 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Atlanta is 1 in 151.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Atlanta?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Atlanta residents. Out of the respondents (379 in total), 26% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Atlanta were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 74% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Atlanta a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Atlanta 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. Atlanta has a total crime rate that is 97% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 62.32 daily crimes (11.42 violent daily crimes and 50.9 daily property crimes) in Atlanta.

Atlanta Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Atlanta region comprises an array of over 32 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Atlanta are exemplars such as Candler Park, Virginia-Highland and Poncey-Highland, whereas Mechanicsville, Grove Park and Adair Park grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Atlanta

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Atlanta crime rates. For instance, in Atlanta, the population density stands at 3677.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Atlanta, 86.6% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

In Atlanta, the median home price stands at $314,400, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Atlanta crime map