Georgia’s charm is undeniable, but it also harbors small towns where crime rates remain alarmingly high. These towns have struggled with violence, property crime, and economic challenges, making them some of the most dangerous places in the state in 2025. Here is an in-depth look at the 12 most dangerous small towns in Georgia, complete with their locations and key crime factors.
1. College Park: Crime Hub Near Atlanta’s Airport
Located just south of Atlanta and adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, College Park tops the list of most dangerous small towns in Georgia. With a population of around 14,000, the town struggles with violent crime rates of approximately 1,559 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime rates hitting 7,199 per 100,000. The proximity to the airport and prevalence of poverty have contributed to high rates of robbery, assault, and motor vehicle theft.
2. Cordele: Challenges in the “Watermelon Capital”
Cordele hosts about 10,600 residents in southern Georgia and faces severe public safety issues. The violent crime rate stands close to 1,757 per 100,000, with property crime similarly elevated. Economic difficulties, including a poverty rate exceeding 30%, fuel crime linked to gang activity and drug trafficking. Its location at the intersection of Interstate 75 and major highways compounds these issues.
3. Americus: Historic Yet High Crime
Americus, home to roughly 15,300 residents, grapples with a violent crime rate around 1,353 per 100,000—three times the state average. The town’s historical significance contrasts its struggles with unemployment, poverty (about 25%), and ongoing gang presence. Property crime is also noticeably high, destabilizing neighborhoods around Georgia Southwestern State University.
4. Griffin: South of Atlanta with Rising Property Crime
Approximately 40 miles south of Atlanta, Griffin’s population is about 22,700. The city sees significant property crime, with 4,890 incidents per 100,000 residents. The crime often stems from economic stress, amplified by regional influence from Atlanta’s job market fluctuations. Assaults and burglaries also rank notably high.
5. East Point: Gang Activity Fuels Violent Crime
East Point neighbors College Park and has a population near 35,000. The city’s violent crime rates reach 1,466 incidents per 100,000, largely driven by gang-related robberies and firearm assaults. Its location in the Atlanta metro area has not shielded the community from rising safety concerns and social challenges.
6. Douglasville: Growing Crime in a Suburban Context
Located in Douglas County, Douglasville’s expanding population faces increasing violent and property crime rates. The overall crime rate reaches 5,775 per 100,000 residents. The city deals particularly with break-ins, assaults, and thefts that complicate suburban living standards.
7. Hapeville: Small Town, High Property Crime
Hapeville, although smaller in population, reports a high property crime rate of roughly 5,528 per 100,000 residents. Property crimes dominate, challenging local law enforcement and prompting community safety initiatives to combat theft and vandalism.
8. Albany: Historic City With Violent Crime Spurts
Albany’s 6,900 violent crimes per 100,000 residents place it among the state’s most dangerous small cities. The historic town contends with economic hardships alongside gang and drug-related crime. Efforts for community policing and redevelopment are ongoing to address safety concerns.
9. Jesup: Poverty and Crime Intertwined
Jesup’s crime rate, at approximately 5,779 incidents per 100,000 people, reflects its struggles with violent and property crime. Economic limitations and scarce job opportunities have boosted insecurity and fear within this southern Georgia town.
10. Brunswick: Tourist Hub Facing Crime
While a popular beach gateway, Brunswick’s residents face challenges from theft, burglary, and violent episodes. Its property crime levels remain high due to large tourist influxes and economic inconsistency, complicating community efforts to maintain safety.
11. Griffin: Property and Violent Crimes
Griffin repeats as one of Georgia’s most crime-affected small towns, enduring high levels of both property and violent crimes. Located near Atlanta, the spillover challenges related to unemployment feed criminal activity.
12. Jesup: Crime Driven by Economic Strain
Jesup’s ongoing issues with crime root from its persistent poverty and lack of economic opportunity, which creates fertile ground for both property crimes and violent offenses.
Locations Overview
| Town | Population (Approx.) | Crime Highlights | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| College Park | 14,000 | High violent and property crime | Adjacent to Atlanta Airport |
| Cordele | 10,600 | Gang activity, drug trafficking | Southern Georgia |
| Americus | 15,300 | High violent crime, gang presence | Southwest Georgia |
| Griffin | 22,700 | Property and violent crime | South of Atlanta |
| East Point | 35,000 | Gang-related violent crimes | Atlanta metro area |
| Douglasville | Growing | Rising suburban crime | Douglas County |
| Hapeville | Small | High property crime | Near Atlanta |
| Albany | Medium | Violent crime surge | Southwest Georgia |
| Jesup | Small | Economic and crime challenges | Coastal Georgia |
| Brunswick | Medium | Property crime linked to tourism | Coastal Georgia |
The 12 most dangerous small towns in Georgia in 2025 reveal a patchwork of economic hardship, social issues, and persistent crime challenges. While many of these communities are working toward reform and safety improvements, residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant. Understanding the crime dynamics in these towns—primarily influenced by poverty, gang activity, and drug-related offenses—is crucial in fostering awareness and promoting safer environments across Georgia.
Sources
(https://reolink.com/blog/most-dangerous-cities-in-georgia/)
(https://www.sftriallawyers.com/blog/most-dangerous-cities-in-georgia/)
(https://www.safehome.org/safest-cities/ga/)
(https://emcsecurity.com/georgias-most-dangerous-cities/)
(https://www.mailletcriminallaw.com/blog/georgia-crime-rate-by-city/)
