St. Marys, GA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in St. Marys, GA

What is St. Marys' overall crime grade?

St. Marys, GA earns an overall crime grade of B-, which places it in a moderately safe tier relative to similarly sized Georgia cities. A B- grade signals that the city performs better than average on many safety metrics, though there is still room for improvement — particularly around property crime categories. For a city of roughly 18,321 residents with a population density of just 309 people per square mile, this grade reflects a community that is meaningfully safer than dense urban centers while still facing some localized challenges.

How does the poverty rate affect crime in St. Marys?

St. Marys carries a poverty rate of 16.4% and an unemployment rate of 8.4%, both of which are above national averages. Research consistently links elevated poverty and unemployment to higher rates of property crime, including theft and vehicle break-ins. These economic pressures are reflected in the city's B- overall grade — the community scores well on violent crime metrics, but property crime rates are the primary drag on the overall safety score. Neighborhoods with lower median incomes tend to see a higher concentration of these incidents on the crime map.

Is St. Marys a safe place to live in 2026?

By most measurable standards, yes. St. Marys holds a B- crime grade in 2026, meaning the majority of residents go about daily life without encountering serious criminal activity. The city's median household income of $66,033 and median home value of $195,693 suggest a stable, working-to-middle-class community — economic factors that correlate with lower violent crime rates. Areas near the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and the historic downtown district are widely regarded as among the more stable and lower-incident zones in the city. That said, the 16.4% poverty rate means pockets of the community face real economic stress, which can elevate localized crime risk.

What types of crime are most common in St. Marys?

Property crimes — including theft, vehicle break-ins, and vandalism — represent the most frequently reported incident categories in St. Marys, consistent with the city's B- grade. Violent crimes such as assault and robbery occur at comparatively lower rates, which is typical for low-density communities (St. Marys sits at just 309 residents per square mile). The crime map's heat layers tend to show property crime clusters near commercial corridors and higher-traffic areas, while residential neighborhoods — particularly those adjacent to Camden Place and the historic riverfront district — report fewer incidents per capita.

Which neighborhoods in St. Marys have the lowest crime rates?

Based on available crime mapping data, the areas surrounding the historic downtown district along the St. Marys River and residential communities near Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay consistently report lower incident densities. The Camden Place residential corridor also benefits from community cohesion and stable homeownership rates, factors that research ties to reduced property crime. With a median rent of $1,012 and a median home value of $195,693, St. Marys offers relatively affordable entry points into these safer neighborhoods compared to many coastal Georgia communities.

How does St. Marys compare to other Georgia cities on safety?

St. Marys' B- overall crime grade positions it favorably against many Georgia cities of comparable or larger size. Its low population density of 309 people per square mile is a significant structural advantage — crime rates in dense urban environments tend to run substantially higher. While the 8.4% unemployment rate and 16.4% poverty rate introduce risk factors that pull the grade below an A, the city's small-town character, active law enforcement presence, and strong community ties keep it well above the state's more troubled municipalities. Residents can use the interactive crime map to track year-over-year trends and see how specific incident categories have shifted heading into 2026.

What should new residents know about safety in St. Marys?

New residents should take note of three key data points: a B- crime grade, a 16.4% poverty rate, and an 8.4% unemployment rate. The grade signals a generally safe environment, but the economic indicators suggest that property crime vigilance is warranted — particularly securing vehicles and homes. The median rent of $1,012 and home value of $195,693 make St. Marys accessible, and choosing neighborhoods with lower incident density on the crime map — such as those near the historic downtown or the Kings Bay area — can further reduce exposure to risk. Engaging with neighborhood watch programs and monitoring the St. Marys Police Department's public reports are practical first steps for anyone relocating to the area.