Atlanta, GA Crime Rate & Safety

Atlanta, GA has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 161% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 103 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 19 chance for property crime. Atlanta has higher crime than 98% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Atlanta has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Approximately 59% of the city's 269 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Riverside is one of the safest areas, while Harris Chiles has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Atlanta is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Atlanta are Riverside, Amberidge, Springlake, Old Vermont, and River Chase. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Atlanta include Harris Chiles, Lincoln Homes, West Lake, Mechanicsville, and The Villages at Carver. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Atlanta is 975.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 156% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 103 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 12.9 per 100K (159% above average); aggravated assault at 719.6 per 100K (168% above average); robbery at 168.3 per 100K (128% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Atlanta is 5,188.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 183% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 19 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 619.8 per 100K (130% above average); larceny/theft at 3,707.5 per 100K (164% above average); vehicle theft at 861.6 per 100K (170% above average).

Atlanta's overall crime rate is 161% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (170% above average), while rape is 122% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Atlanta has higher crime than 98% of them.

Visitors to Atlanta should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 183% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Riverside, Amberidge, Springlake.

Georgia as a whole has crime that is 9% above the national average. Atlanta's crime rate is 161% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Georgia city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Atlanta, with an estimated rate of 3,707.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 164% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (5,189 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (975 per 100K) in Atlanta, which is consistent with national trends.