Forest Park, GA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Forest Park, 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 Forest Park crime rate is higher than the national average by 146.5%. Specifically, there were 176 violent crimes in Forest Park, equivalent to 898 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 142.8%. Furthermore, Forest Park recorded 947 property crimes, amounting to 4830 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 147.2%.

Forest Park has a crime rate of 5728 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 146.46%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Forest Park. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

Forest Park has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 898 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Forest Park falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 112 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Forest Park is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 2 murders in Forest Park, which equates to 10 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Forest Park being a very dangerous place to live.

With a property crime rate of 4830 crimes per 100,000 people, Forest Park unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Forest Park is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 21, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Forest Park has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Forest Park reported 152 vehicle thefts, which equates to 775 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 Forest Park is 1 in 129.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Forest Park?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Forest Park residents. Out of the respondents (19 in total), 16% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Forest Park were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 84% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Forest Park a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Forest Park a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Forest Park crime rate is 146% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.08 crimes per day - 0.48 violent crimes and 2.59 property crimes.

Has Crime in Forest Park Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Forest Park crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Forest Park has decreased by 4.3% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 17.8% and property crime has decreased by 1.4%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Forest Park

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Forest Park, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Forest Park crime rates. Forest Park registers a population density of 2135.9 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Forest Park, there are 5.69 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Forest Park crime map