Georgia is a state with many attractions, from the bustling city of Atlanta to the scenic coastline and mountains. However, not all places in Georgia are safe for tourists or residents. According to the latest FBI crime data, some towns in Georgia have high rates of violent and property crimes that make them among the most dangerous in the US. Here are four Georgia destinations that you might want to avoid or be cautious of visiting.
East Point
East Point is a town located on the south side of Atlanta, near the world’s busiest airport. It is also the most dangerous town in Georgia, according to the FBI data. East Point has a population of 35,477 and a crime rate of 321 crimes per square mile. The town ranks second in violent crimes and second in property crimes in the state, with 1,243 incidents of violent crimes and 12,005 incidents of property crimes reported in 2020.
The murder rate in East Point is the highest in Georgia, with 11 homicides in 2020. The chances of being a victim of violent crime in East Point are 1 in 78, while the chances of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 8.
Hapeville
Hapeville is another town near Atlanta that has a high crime rate. The town has a population of 6,658 and a crime rate of 1,789 crimes per square mile. Hapeville ranks third in violent crimes and third in property crimes in Georgia, with 742 incidents of violent crimes and 11,155 incidents of property crimes reported in 2020.
The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Hapeville are 1 in 9, while the chances of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 9. The majority of the property crimes in Hapeville are thefts, with 789 cases in 2020.
College Park
College Park is another town on the south side of Atlanta that is notorious for its crime. The town has a population of 13,917 and a crime rate of 856 crimes per square mile. College Park ranks first in violent crimes and first in property crimes in Georgia, with 1,559 incidents of violent crimes and 7,199 incidents of property crimes reported in 2020.
The chances of being a victim of violent crime in College Park are 1 in 64, while the chances of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 14. College Park also has the seventh highest rate of rape cases and the highest rate of vehicle thefts in the state.
Brunswick
Brunswick is a coastal town that is a popular tourist destination for its beaches and islands. However, it is also a dangerous town with a high crime rate. The town has a population of 15,919 and a crime rate of 1,014 crimes per square mile. Brunswick ranks fourth in violent crimes and fourth in property crimes in Georgia, with 1,014 incidents of violent crimes and 6,658 incidents of property crimes reported in 2020.
The chances of being a victim of violent crime in Brunswick are 1 in 16, while the chances of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 24. Brunswick also has the second highest rate of robbery cases and the fourth highest rate of burglary cases in the state.
Conclusion
Georgia is a beautiful state with many attractions, but it also has some towns that are very dangerous for tourists and residents. According to the FBI crime data, East Point, Hapeville, College Park, and Brunswick are among the most dangerous towns in the US, with high rates of violent and property crimes. If you plan to visit or live in these towns, you should be aware of the risks and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Alternatively, you might want to consider other safer destinations in Georgia, such as Holly Springs, which is the safest town in the state.