Atlanta, GA Crime Rate and Statistics [2024 Updated]

Atlanta is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and economic mobility. However, like many other major cities in America, the complex challenge of crime exists here. Many different multifaceted factors shape the city’s crime landscape and impact the Atlanta crime rate. If you’ve been charged with a crime in the city, contact an Atlanta criminal defense attorney.

Atlanta Crime Statistics in 2024

In Atlanta, crime rates have been a significant concern for a long time. The city had a violent crime rate of 55.6 per 10,000 population in 2023. This was a noticeable decrease from years prior, so it is safe to say that safety in most Atlanta neighborhoods is currently improving. However, the property crime rate was 392.1 per 10,000 population that same year, which was a small increase from 2021 and 2022.

The Atlanta Police Department also monitors annual crime statistics, including murder, rape, aggravated assault, etc., and has discovered that the total number of crimes reported between 2017 and 2020 has also decreased. To this day, violent crime rates in Atlanta have not surpassed their 2017 levels and have since dropped to historic lows.

As far as the state as a whole, Georgia reported a total crime rate of 202,502 crimes. (2,010 crimes per 100,000 residents) in 2022. Nonetheless, Georgia’s violent crime rate was still relatively low at 364.3 per 100,000 people, which was just below the national average (369.8 violent crimes per 100,000 people) that same year.

Aggravated assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft are the most common violent crimes in Georgia. Violent crimes like robbery, rape, murder, and arson occur at lower rates in the state as a whole.

Common Crimes in Atlanta

The most common violent crime in Georgia is aggravated assault. Aggravated assault is an intentional physical attack or threat of harm against another person. In Georgia, aggravated assault occurred at a rate of 277.5 per 100,000 residents. Larceny is the most common property crime in Atlanta, occurring at a rate of 1,225.1 per 100,000 residents. Other common crimes in Atlanta include burglary, motor vehicle theft, and robbery.

Factors Influencing Crime Rates

Several factors influence crime rates in Atlanta in both positive and negative ways. Poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, and a lack of access to mental health services and other public resources have a great impact on the rate of crime in the city.

It is not uncommon for marginalized communities to experience violence. Crime is a result of socioeconomic inequalities that lead to scarce resources in communities, all of which tend to be systemic. Together with the help of the community, Atlanta officials are working to address these underlying factors to improve the well-being of the city.

As Atlanta’s crime rates decline, it is clear that positive, intentional work is being done. A few of the positive factors contributing to lower crime rates include creative law enforcement strategies and the engagement of the community in crime-reducing efforts.

Non-profit organizations like The Atlanta Police Foundation, The American Suppressor Association, and the Clayton County System of Care work to improve safety in Atlanta for residents and visitors alike through education, legislative advocacy, juvenile justice, and child welfare reform. Socio-economic development initiatives, proactive policing efforts, and targeted intervention strategies help slow criminal activity and crime rates in the city.

FAQs

Q: Is the Crime Rate Going Up in Atlanta?

A: The violent crime rate is not currently going up in Atlanta, and it has been decreasing since 2021. In fact, it reached historic lows in 2023. Since 2009, there’s been a large decrease in violent crime. While the 2009 rate was 125.3 per 10,000 residents, the 2023 rate was only 55.6. The property crime rate slightly increased between 2022 and 2023, but the overall rate of change is still decreasing. While the rate was 796.5 per 10,000 population in 2009, it was 392.1 in 2023.

Q: Where Does Georgia Rank in Crime Rate?

A: In terms of violent crime, which includes murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and gang violence, Georgia ranks somewhere in the middle of the 50 United States.

Bibb County holds the highest crime rate in the state, with a rate of 52.65 crimes per 1,000 residents. Bibb County is not a part of Metro Atlanta, as it is located south of the city.

Q: What Is the Most Common Violent Crime in Georgia?

A: The most common violent crime in Georgia is aggravated assault. Aggravated assault is an intentional physical attack or threat of harm against another person. In Georgia, aggravated assault occurs at a rate of 277.5 per 100,000 residents.

It is important to note that larceny, a property crime, is much more common in Georgia than aggravated assault at a rate of 1,225.1 per 100,000 residents.

Q: Has Crime Increased or Declined in Georgia?

A: Since 2017, Georgia has trended downward in crime, which reflects combined efforts from both law enforcement and the community. Despite a slight rise in crime in 2021 and 2022, crime rates have never reached their 2017 rates in the city and reached historic lows in 2023. Initiatives targeting specific crime hotspots, proactive policing strategies, and well-thought-out community partnerships have contributed to the progress made toward public safety statewide.

Contact an Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney

While crime in Atlanta remains a complex challenge, recent data indicates positive and encouraging trends. Although Georgia has a history of high crime rates, Atlanta has improved significantly over the past few years.

At The Law Office of Delisa Williams PC, we have extensive experience in criminal defense. We act as fierce advocates for our clients and advise them with compassion in mind. If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in Atlanta or the Atlanta Metropolitan area, an experienced criminal defense attorney from our firm can help you. You deserve safety and peace of mind throughout the legal process, so contact our offices today for a consultation.