A Guide to Atlanta Crime Rates and More
Susie Chow, Tomo’s Lead Writer & Atlanta resident, combines exclusive on the ground local insights with real estate expertise and economic data from Greg Schwartz, Tomo CEO & former Zillow President; Emanuel Santa-Donato, Head of Capital Markets & Interest Rate Forecaster; and Joel Monge, Head of Digital Production.
When you’re on the hunt for your dream home in a new city, one consideration always takes the spotlight: safety. Is Atlanta safe? Is Atlanta dangerous? What are the best neighborhoods in Atlanta? What are the worst neighborhoods in Atlanta? We know these are all very essential questions that pop up when folks think about making the A-Town their home. To get the full scoop, we need to assess not only the crime rate in Atlanta, but get a feel for the overall safety vibes and initiatives implemented around the city. So, grab a seat and let’s embark on a (very safe) online journey to unravel just how safe, or not-so-safe, Atlanta truly is.
Neighborhoods Matter
So how dangerous is Atlanta, really? Well, according to Crimegrade.org, the city of Atlanta receives a C-grade for safety, indicating a slightly higher-than-average crime rate compared to the rest of the United States. Atlanta ranks in the 34th percentile for safety and the overall crime rate stands at 42 incidents per 1,000 residents during a typical year. The city’s safest neighborhoods and suburbs, such as John’s Creek, Alpharetta and parts of Buckhead are often located in the northern parts of Atlanta, where the chances of being a victim of crime are as low as 1 in 37. On the other hand, the west parts of Atlanta with neighborhoods like Mechanicsville, Vine City and English Avenue are associated with higher crime rates, with odds of 1 in 10. It’s important to note that crime rates can be influenced by various factors like population density and types of establishments in the area. We recommend reviewing Tomo’s guides to the best neighborhoods and best suburbs in Atlanta.
Atlanta Crime Rate
So is Atlanta safe? Let’s look at crime rates in Atlanta, a source of concern for many, prompting discussions about the city’s safety. However, a detailed analysis of the city’s crime data provides a more nuanced perspective. According to data from the Atlanta Police Department’s COBRA dataset, the property crime rate across the city remained relatively stable from 2021 to 2022, and it was notably lower than pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, the citywide violent crime rate for 2022 reverted to near the historic low recorded in 2018 after a three-year increase. Nonetheless, the rising homicide rate in the city remains a concern. It’s worth noting, however, the three northernmost Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs) – A (Chastain Park, Mt Paran, Tuxedo Park, and more), B (Buckhead, Brookhaven, Peachtree Hills, and more), and C (Castlewood, Cross Creek, Spring Lake, and more) consistently report the lowest crime rates in Atlanta, and displayed declines in both violent and property crime rates between 2021 and 2022, counter to the overall citywide trend.
The BeltLine Effect
Atlanta’s BeltLine project, a network of trails and parks that encircle the city, has not only been a catalyst for urban development but has also contributed to safety improvements across the city. Increased foot traffic and visibility along the BeltLine have helped deter crime and elevated some of the surrounding neighborhoods, like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward and nearby Grant Park, to be the most walkable neighborhoods in the city. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the BeltLine’s success in enhancing safety has also sparked concerns about affordable housing and gentrification in the area, as rising property values and development have led to challenges for some longtime residents in the area.
The Atlanta Police Department
With a reasonable $247,000,000 budget in 2024, 2,700 officers, and $412 expenditure per resident, Atlanta is invested in a dedicated police force committed to maintaining safety within the city limits. The Atlanta Police Department (APD) is known for its proactive approach to law enforcement and community outreach. A key aspect is their commitment to community policing, where officers actively engage with residents and local businesses to build trust and collaboration, aiming to prevent crime and create a safer environment.
The Role of Gated Communities
If you’re still pondering, is Atlanta dangerous? Consider this option: Atlanta boasts numerous gated communities, offering residents exclusivity, security, and upscale amenities. Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s most affluent neighborhoods, hosting many of Atlanta’s elite private schools and is home to gated communities like Tuxedo Park, Chastain Park, and North Buckhead. Johns Creek is known for its luxury homes, golf courses, and excellent public schools, and is home to Country Club of the South and St. Ives Country Club gated communities. Druid Hills is characterized by Victorian-style mansions and leafy tree-lined streets, and features gated communities, Druid Hills Golf Club and Emory Parc Manor.
Evolving Transportation Safety
Atlanta is continuously working to enhance transportation safety. Efforts include improving road infrastructure, increasing public transportation, and implementing safety measures like crosswalks, countdown signals, and better signage for pedestrians; as well as bike lanes and bike-sharing programs for cyclists. In fact, in 2022, Atlanta adopted the Vision Zero initiative, a city-wide effort to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries on city streets. Some of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for walking and cycling are Druid Hills, Virginia Highland, and Brookhaven. In terms of public transportation, MARTA, short for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, is the city’s extensive system serving the Atlanta metropolitan area. According to Mass Transit, in 2022, the MARTA Police Department reported a decline in violent crimes, property crimes, and operator assaults, which highlights its status as one of Georgia’s leading law enforcement agencies.
Neighborhood Watch Programs
Many Atlanta neighborhoods have active Neighborhood Watch programs, where residents collaborate with local law enforcement, look out for one another, and report suspicious activity promptly. Some of the safest places in Atlanta that have strong neighborhood watch programs include Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Grant Park, and neighboring Candler Park. Some of the worst neighborhoods in Atlanta for crime include English Avenue, Vine City, Bankhead, Pittsburgh, and Mechanicsville.
2022 Atlanta Crime Rates
| NPU | Atlanta Neighborhoods | Population | Property Crime Rate (per 1,000 people) | Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 people) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Buckhead, Tuxedo Park, Lenox Park | 41,566 | 135.7 | 3.6 |
| B | Chastain Park, Peachtree Hills, Brookhaven | 22,749 | 162.8 | 2.2 |
| C | Hammond Park, Northside, Ansley Park | 22,749 | 101.5 | 3.6 |
| D | Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown | 14,118 | 267.9 | 12.0 |
| E | Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland, Morningside | 24,371 | 191.8 | 5.3 |
| F | Midtown, Piedmont Heights, Midtown Garden District | 21,038 | 363.9 | 17.1 |
| G | Grant Park, Ormewood Park, Summerhill | 19,609 | 281.1 | 10.7 |
| H | Little Five Points, Inman Park, Candler Park | 16,424 | 235.1 | 10.4 |
| J | Vine City, English Avenue, Capitol Gateway | 14,958 | 536.9 | 28.1 |
| K | Castleberry Hill, SoHo, Underground Atlanta | 6,930 | 333.3 | 14.4 |
| L | Downtown, Five Points, Centennial Olympic Park | 12,018 | 267.9 | 12.5 |
| M | Mechanicsville, Summerhill, Little Five Points | 13,804 | 275.3 | 11.6 |
| N | Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown | 13,116 | 251.7 | 8.4 |
| O | Beltline, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward | 11,997 | 233.5 | 10.0 |
| P | Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, Ormewood Park | 10,762 | 296.7 | 10.3 |
| Q | Bankhead, Grove Park, English Avenue | 11,933 | 649.1 | 42.4 |
| R | Adamsville, Westside, Vine City | 10,338 | 718.8 | 48.8 |
| S | Bolton, Cascade Heights, Capitol Gateway | 14,012 | 521.2 | 36.4 |
| T | Beecher Hills, Grove Park, Bankhead | 12,371 | 625.4 | 35.9 |
| U | Grant Park, Summerhill, Ormewood Park | 10,619 | 301.2 | 11.3 |
| V | English Avenue, Capitol Gateway, Cascade Heights | 15,678 | 568.1 | 35.1 |
| W | Westside, Bolton, Murphy Crossing | 10,141 | 726.7 | 51.2 |
| X | Peoplestown, Murphy Crossing, Hunter Hills | 9,074 | 767.7 | 55.8 |
| Y | Murphy Crossing, Ben Hill, Capitol Gateway | 9,498 | 654.9 | 31.9 |
| Z | Lakewood, East Lake, South Downtown | 10,114 | 231.4 | 9.9 |
