Georgia is famous for its southern charm, historic Savannah squares, and peaceful mountain towns, but behind the peach orchards and antebellum architecture, some communities face serious safety challenges. Across the Peach State, there are towns where crime rates climb well above state and national averages, where economic struggles have left more than just empty storefronts.
In these places, residents deal with higher risks of theft, assault, and other crimes that make daily life more stressful. This list ranks the 25 most dangerous small towns in Georgia based on violent crime rates, using the latest FBI crime data. From former industrial centers grappling with violence to small communities where property crime dominates, each town here faces its own safety concerns that affect the people who call these places home.
25. Madison
Population: 5,800
Crime Rate: Violent – 203 per 100,000; Property – 1,996 per 100,000
Madison reports the lowest violent crime rate on this list, though property crimes still exceed state averages. The historic town sees occasional thefts and burglaries, but major violent incidents remain rare. Economic growth and strong community policing help keep serious crime in check.
24. Decatur
Population: 24,900
Crime Rate: Violent – 250 per 100,000; Property – 3,107 per 100,000
Decatur’s property crime rate significantly outpaces its violent crime numbers, with theft and burglary being primary concerns. The city’s proximity to Atlanta brings both economic opportunities and urban crime spillover. Residents face about a 1 in 32 chance of property crime victimization annually.
23. Statesboro
Population: 33,400
Crime Rate: Violent – 304 per 100,000; Property – 2,194 per 100,000
Home to Georgia Southern University, Statesboro deals with typical college town crime patterns including party-related incidents and student-targeted theft. The large student population influences crime statistics, with most violent crimes involving acquaintances rather than strangers. Campus security and city police work together to address safety issues.
22. Greensboro
Population: 3,700
Crime Rate: Violent – 328 per 100,000; Property – 2,075 per 100,000
This small Lake Oconee community sees crime rates above average for its size, with most incidents involving domestic disputes and theft. The town’s rural location doesn’t shield it from crime, as economic pressures and limited law enforcement resources create challenges. Tourism around the lake area sometimes contributes to property crime.
21. Albany
Population: 69,600
Crime Rate: Violent – 334 per 100,000; Property – 762 per 100,000
Albany stands out with relatively low property crime but elevated violent crime rates compared to similarly sized cities. The city has struggled with economic decline since manufacturing jobs left, contributing to higher assault and robbery rates. Despite challenges, aggressive policing has helped reduce property crimes significantly.
20. Valdosta
Population: 55,300
Crime Rate: Violent – 350 per 100,000; Property – 4,500 per 100,000
Valdosta faces high property crime rates that dominate its overall crime picture, with theft and burglary particularly common. The presence of Valdosta State University contributes to crime patterns, as student areas become targets for theft. Drug-related activity also drives both property and violent crime in certain neighborhoods.
19. Cairo
Population: 10,200
Crime Rate: Violent – 355 per 100,000; Property – 2,322 per 100,000
Cairo’s crime rate reflects the challenges facing many small Georgia towns as economic opportunities diminish. Property crime exceeds violent crime, but both categories run above state averages for towns this size. Limited police resources and poverty contribute to ongoing safety concerns for residents.
18. Greenville
Population: 800
Crime Rate: Violent – 501 per 100,000; Property – 1,126 per 100,000
Despite its tiny population, Greenville posts concerning violent crime rates that exceed many larger towns. Even a few serious incidents create high per-capita rates in such a small community. The town’s remote location and limited law enforcement presence make crime prevention especially challenging.
17. Gainesville
Population: 43,200
Crime Rate: Violent – 557 per 100,000; Property – 2,803 per 100,000
Gainesville’s status as a regional hub brings both economic benefits and crime challenges, with violent and property crime rates both exceeding state averages. The city’s poultry industry attracts transient workers, contributing to crime patterns. Drug trafficking along nearby interstate corridors also impacts local crime rates.
16. Hinesville
Population: 34,900
Crime Rate: Violent – 621 per 100,000; Property – 2,672 per 100,000
Located near Fort Stewart, Hinesville deals with crime patterns common to military towns, including domestic violence and alcohol-related incidents. The transient military population creates unique law enforcement challenges. Property crime targets both military families and civilian residents, with vehicle theft being particularly problematic.
15. LaGrange
Population: 31,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 656 per 100,000; Property – 4,392 per 100,000
LaGrange struggles with high property crime rates that significantly exceed state averages, while violent crime also runs above typical levels. The former textile town has faced economic challenges as manufacturing declined, contributing to higher crime rates. Theft and burglary remain persistent problems despite community policing efforts.
14. Douglasville
Population: 34,700
Crime Rate: Violent – 658 per 100,000; Property – 5,056 per 100,000
Douglasville posts high property crime rates that dominate its crime profile, with violent crime also exceeding comfortable levels. The city’s location in metro Atlanta’s outer ring brings suburban crime patterns including vehicle theft and residential burglary. Drug activity contributes to both property and violent crime in certain areas.
13. Bainbridge
Population: 14,500
Crime Rate: Violent – 666 per 100,000; Property – 4,046 per 100,000
Bainbridge faces significant property crime challenges with rates well above state averages, while violent crime also causes concern. Economic struggles in this southwest Georgia town contribute to higher theft and burglary rates. Limited economic opportunities and drug-related activity drive much of the local crime.
12. Moultrie
Population: 14,300
Crime Rate: Violent – 837 per 100,000; Property – 4,649 per 100,000
Moultrie reports concerning violent crime rates alongside very high property crime, creating significant safety challenges for residents. The agricultural town has struggled with economic decline and drug problems that fuel crime. Both theft and violent crimes like assault occur at rates well above state averages.
11. Rome
Population: 37,700
Crime Rate: Violent – 844 per 100,000; Property – 3,931 per 100,000
Rome’s crime rates exceed state averages in both violent and property categories, with drug-related activity contributing significantly to the problem. The former textile center has faced economic challenges that correlate with higher crime rates. Gang activity and drug trafficking create ongoing safety concerns for residents.
10. Waycross
Population: 14,700
Crime Rate: Violent – 888 per 100,000; Property – 4,571 per 100,000
Waycross posts high rates in both violent and property crime categories, creating serious safety challenges for this southeast Georgia town. Economic decline and drug activity drive much of the crime, with theft and assault being particular problems. The town’s location along major transportation routes contributes to drug trafficking issues.
9. Forest Park
Population: 20,200
Crime Rate: Violent – 898 per 100,000; Property – 4,841 per 100,000
Forest Park faces significant crime challenges with rates well above state averages in both violent and property categories. The city’s proximity to Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport creates unique crime patterns including theft and drug trafficking. Economic inequality contributes to persistent safety concerns.
8. Garden City
Population: 10,300
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,034 per 100,000; Property – 4,348 per 100,000
Garden City crosses into four-digit violent crime rates, indicating serious safety challenges for residents. The industrial town near Savannah deals with crime patterns related to its port location and economic struggles. Both property and violent crimes occur at concerning rates that significantly exceed state averages.
7. East Point
Population: 38,400
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,100 per 100,000; Property – 8,200 per 100,000
East Point reports extremely high property crime rates alongside concerning violent crime numbers, creating serious safety challenges. The city’s location in metro Atlanta brings urban crime patterns including frequent theft, burglary, and vehicle crime. Residents face about a 1 in 12 chance of property crime victimization annually.
6. Americus
Population: 16,200
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,246 per 100,000; Property – 7,500 per 100,000
Americus struggles with high rates of both violent and property crime that create significant safety concerns for residents. Economic challenges in this southwest Georgia town contribute to elevated crime rates across all categories. Drug activity and limited economic opportunities drive much of the criminal activity.
5. Helen
Population: 600
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,261 per 100,000; Property – 5,405 per 100,000
Helen’s tiny population creates misleadingly high per-capita crime rates, but even accounting for size, the tourist town faces real safety challenges. Seasonal visitors and alcohol-related incidents drive much of the violent crime, while theft targeting tourists contributes to property crime. The town’s remote mountain location complicates law enforcement response.
4. Griffin
Population: 23,500
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,337 per 100,000; Property – 3,591 per 100,000
Griffin reports concerning violent crime rates that place it among Georgia’s most dangerous small cities. Economic decline and drug problems contribute to higher rates of assault, robbery, and other violent crimes. While property crime runs below some other cities on this list, violent crime remains a serious concern for residents.
3. Brunswick
Population: 15,400
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,392 per 100,000; Property – 5,536 per 100,000
Brunswick faces significant challenges with both violent and property crime that create serious safety concerns for this coastal city. Drug trafficking through the port and economic struggles contribute to elevated crime rates. Despite recent improvements, residents still face considerably higher crime risks than most Georgia communities.
2. College Park
Population: 14,000
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,559 per 100,000; Property – 7,207 per 100,000
College Park posts extremely high crime rates in both categories, making it one of Georgia’s most dangerous small cities. Located near Atlanta’s airport, the city deals with urban crime patterns including frequent theft, vehicle crime, and violent incidents. Both property and violent crime rates rank among the worst in the state.
1. Cordele
Population: 10,200
Crime Rate: Violent – 1,712 per 100,000; Property – 4,844 per 100,000
Cordele tops the list with the highest violent crime rate among Georgia’s small towns, creating serious safety challenges for residents. Economic struggles and drug activity drive elevated rates of assault, robbery, and other violent crimes. The town’s location along interstate corridors contributes to drug trafficking and associated violence that affects community safety.
References
- BeautifyData – FBI UCR city pages (2022 data)
- NeighborhoodScout – Crime statistics and analysis
- AreaVibes – City crime snapshots (UCR 2023)
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation – Crime Statistics Summary Report
- FBI Crime Data Explorer – Uniform Crime Reporting Program
