Safest Cities in Georgia for 2021

Johns Creek

Johns Creek is located in Fulton County and officially became a city on the 1^st of December, 2006. According to the latest U.S. census data, around 85,000 people live in Johns Creek.

The crime rate per 1000 residents in Johns Creek is only 6.7, which is the lowest in all of Georgia. The official FBI data shows that in 2019, residents reported only 49 violent crimes and 525 property offenses.

It may not be one the cheapest and safest places to live in Georgia, with a median gross rent at $600 higher than the state average ($1677), it is one of the safest, however. 

Johns Creek does have a pretty high median household income of $122,514, but its per capita income is around $20,000, higher than the state average at $52,000. With a poverty rate of just 6.2%, this small city takes care of its community. 

Johns Creek is home to many Fortune 100 companies and is one of the best cities in Georgia for anyone looking for an excellent place to raise a family and grow a business.

Milton

Milton is located in Fulton Country, and it officially became a city in 2006. The city was named after Milton County, which gained its name in honor of the war hero John Milton. Atlanta is only 30 miles away, and currently, Milton has around 39.587 residents, out of which over 51% are females, and more than 90% of residents live in urban areas.

With a crime rate of 7.7 per 1000 residents, Milton is one of the safest cities in Georgia. According to the latest available data released by the FBI, the number of annual violent crimes in the area is only 15, and the number of property crimes by year is just 291. 

The quality of living is also high in this town. The unemployment rate for 2020 was around 3.3%, which is 1.1% lower than the Georgia average. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median value of occupied housing units is $541,000, while the median gross rent is $1,359. 

On average, living in Georgia for those who rent is around $300 cheaper than the rest of the United States, and Milton is among the more expensive living options. The median household income is $128,559, and the per capita income for 2019 was $69,952. Around 3.5% of Milton residents live in poverty, which is way below the Georgia average.

The city council is working to preserve its fantastic landscape using smart land-use policies, giving just another reason why Milton is one of the best places to live in Georgia. While there may not be many places to visit in Milton, sightseers will be able to enjoy the untouched greenery of the area. In 2018, the city acquired the former Milton Country Club and is in the process of renovating it. Featuring forests and greenery, much of the club will remain the same, despite the modern touches. 

Hampton

Hampton is another smaller city on our list. According to the latest data released, it’s located in Henry County, and it has around 8,073 residents, and more than 54% of residents are women.

If you type in ”what are the safest places to live in Georgia?” you’ll see that this city is on almost all of the lists due to its extremely low crime rate. In 2019, it had a crime rate of 8.9 per 1000 residents, and that same year, residents reported just eight violent and 64 property crimes.

The median value of owned housing units in Hampton is around $146,900. The rent is much cheaper than the state average, settling at around $991. The data on the median income, however, suggests that Hampton is not the best place to live in Georgia for those looking for larger paychecks. 

The per capita income is almost $10,000 lower than the state average at $21,976, and the median household income is around $63,000. Despite 10% of people living in poverty, their poverty rate is still lower than the state average, and the cost of living remains affordable.

Hampton has a long and rich history. It was first known as Bear Creek, then, after the Central Railroad of Georgia was built close by, the town was moved and renamed. Hampton officially became one of the cities in Georgia in 1873, and it got its name to honor Brig. General Wade Hampton, an American soldier.

Holly Springs

Holly Springs is a city located in Cherokee County. The town has a rich history dating back to 1906, and it got its name by combining the two beautiful features of its original location: a strand of holly trees and a spring. The latest available official data tell us that around 15,442 people currently live there, and over 52% of them are women.

Holly Springs is not only among the safest in Georgia, but it’s also one of the safest cities in America. It’s safer than over 60% of towns in the United States, and according to the official data, its annual crime rate per 1000 residents is around 9.5. In 2019, residents reported just seven violent offenses and 140 property crimes.

By looking at the stats, it’s safe to say that Holly Springs has most of the features of a smaller city. The median value of owned houses sits at $268,900, while the median gross rent is $1,288. 

These numbers are above average when compared with other Georgia cities. The median household income amounts to $95,941, and the per capita income is $33,694. It has a 3.7% poverty rate, which is almost 10% less than the state average.

Tyrone

Tyrone is one of the youngest municipalities in Fayette County, with around 58% of the residents being under the age of 45. Tyrone officially became a city in 1911, and it was named after the County Tyrone in Ireland. This city is one of the least populated ones on our list, with only 7,500 people residing there and over 50% of residents are women.

This town was one of the safest cities in Georgia for 2018, and it still ranks highly for safety. In 2019, residents reported only five violent and 66 property crimes, and according to the official data, this town’s crime rate is 9.5.

The median value of owner-occupied housing units is $286,500, while the median gross rent is only $999, which is below the state average. The median income for a household sits at around $104,000, and income per capita is $44,229. With only 3.3% of its residents living in poverty, Tyrone residents’ quality of living appears to be far above the state average.

While Tyrone is among the small towns in Georgia, it contains more than 80 acres of park space. Every year they host big celebrations for Founders Day and Veterans day, making it a great time to visit.

Braselton

Braselton is a small but well-known town located about 45 minutes north of Atlanta. It has a one-hundred-year-old story and a rich history, which is evident just by walking its old-fashioned streets. 

Besides its beauty, residents also enjoy the safety of Braselton. In 2019, 9 violent crimes and 128 property offenses were reported, and with a crime rate of only 10.3, Braselton is among the safest cities in Georgia. 

The town officials are dedicated to preserving the town’s historical look, and the downtown portion of the city is currently undergoing a redevelopment plan to maintain its charm and its current estimated population is 12,961. 

During the year, Braselton hosts various events such as outdoor concerts, antique festivals, and art celebrations. The median income of a household in Braselton is around $105,000, while per capita income is about $53,000.The median value of owned houses is $318,700, and the median gross rent is $1,256. 

Grovetown

Grovetown is one of the towns in Georgia located in Columbia County, and it’s part of the Central Savannah River Area and Augusta metropolitan area. According to the latest available statistics, Grovetown has 15,152 residents, and unlike most of the towns on our list, this city has more male residents.

Grovetown used to be a community called Belair. In 1881, it was officially incorporated and given the name Grovetown after the Grove Baptist Church. At first, this community was a place where wealthier residents of Augusta would buy their summer houses, but after Fort Gordon was established, the population of the city of Grovetown started increasing with both working and retired military personnel.

Grovetown’s crime rate per 1000 residents sits at 12.5. In 2019, residents reported 22 violent crimes, and there were also 168 property offenses, making the crime rate lower than many places in Georgia. 

If you want to rent in this city, you should know that the gross rent is $1,140 and the value of occupied houses is $158,900. Per capita, the annual income in one of the safest cities to live in Georgia is slightly lower than average at about $24,599, with a median household income of $68.756. 

Even though rent is higher and per capita income is lower, Grovetown has fewer people living in poverty than many other towns in Georgia, with 8.4% of residents living below the poverty line.

Peachtree City

Peachtree City is the biggest town in Fayette County. It’s challenging to find official data about the Georgia crime rate by county, but based on crime rates in associated towns in this area, it seems to be quite safe. Peachtree City has around 36,223 residents, and almost 52% of them are women.

Golf fans flock to this city, and most of the households have a golf cart and use it to get around the town. Peachtree City is one of the most captivating places in Georgia as it has more than 90 miles of paths that you can reach via your golf cart. Even if you don’t plan on living there, it will be an interesting place to visit and do some sightseeing in this vehicle.

Since Peachtree City is on our list for its safety. In 2019, residents reported 19 violent and 438 property crimes, and the city has a crime rate of 12.6 per 1000 people.

What is the best area to live in Georgia? It just might be Fayette county. The median value of owner-occupied houses in Peachtree City, for example, is $338,900, and the median gross rent is $1,408. Peachtree City has a per capita income of $51,994, with a median household income of $101,121, with less than 6% of people living in poverty.

Jefferson

Jefferson, GA is a 200 hundred-year-old city named after President Thomas Jefferson, and approximately 12,000 people live there.

In 2019, residents reported 144 property infractions and 13 violent crimes. The crime rate per 1000 people is 13.1, which places Jefferson below the average Georgia crime rate. 

Earnings in this town are close to the state average, with a per capita income of $30,462 and a median household income of $58,451. Currently, 13.3% of residents live in poverty.

If you’re considering a move to Jefferson, you’ll be happy to learn that the rent is lower than in most Georgia states. The median gross rent for the period from 2015 to 2019 was $729, and the median value of housing units that are owner-occupied is around $201,000.

Even though it’s not among the largest cities in Georgia, Jefferson is a beautiful place. Surrounded by lakes and rivers, the city boasts a rich cultural heritage. In particular, the renowned Dr. Crawford W. Long Museum, where besides learning about Dr. Long’s work, you will also get to know the city and its rich history.

Woodstock

Woodstock is a city in Cherokee County and is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Its name was inspired by Walter Scott’s novel Woodstock, and the town was officially incorporated in 1897 and is home to around 33,000 people, 53% of which are women.

Woodstock might be one of the best places to live in Georgia for families. With a median household income for the 2015 – 2019 period of $76,191 and a per capita income of around $40,000, you can find a secure place to settle down. At the time of the census, around 7% of residents lived in poverty, which is below the average in Georgia.

Just like in most towns, higher paychecks tend to come with higher rents. The median gross rent from 2015 to 2019 was $1,342, and the median value for a house was $243,500. It might be the best place to raise a family, but if you ask, “what is the cheapest city to live in Georgia?” we aren’t going to say, Woodstock. 

When it comes to safety, however, Woodstock is a secure community. Even though it’s the last one on our list, Woodstock’s crime rate per 1000 residents is only 14.4. In 2019, 39 violent and 438 property crimes were reported. The high quality of life and safe environment are what make this city a great place to live.

Roswell

Roswell belongs to Fulton County in Georgia and is among the top 10 largest cities in the state. The city was created by Roswell King, who used the land in the area to create the largest cotton mill in north Georgia.

If you’ve been researching the safest neighborhoods in the Atlanta metro area, you might have come across Roswell. The town is considered the suburb of Atlanta, and its population continues to rise, with just over 94,000 people living there.

Roswell is on the expensive side for living. The median gross rent is estimated to be $1,281, and the median value of housing units is $374,700. The residents of Roswell have an above-average income and a per capita income of around $50.000, while the median household income is $99,726. With incomes like this, only 7.6% of people are living in poverty.

When it comes to the crime rate in the Atlanta metro area, you can expect smaller numbers from smaller municipalities. Roswell has a relatively low crime rate of 16.6 reporting 1,428 property offenses and 148 violent crimes in 2019.

Roswell will amaze you with its beautiful nature. Notable places to visit are the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, the Chattahoochee Nature Center, and the Wills Park Recreation Center.

Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs is a city in Fulton County, and it’s part of the metropolitan Atlanta area. It was officially incorporated in 2005, and at the moment, 109,452 people live there. 

Those wondering about the safest cities in the Atlanta metro area will undoubtedly want to look into Sandy Springs. Property value and rents are higher than the national average, but the same can be said about the income. 

The latest stats show that the median household income in the city was $78,613, while per capita income amounted to $61,138. Only 7.6% of people live in poverty, which is way below the Georgia average, and the median value of owner-occupied houses is $471,800, and the median gross rent is $1,327.

If you’re wondering, “What are the most dangerous cities in Georgia?” Sandy Springs can ease your mind. With all of the options of a bigger city, while maintaining a lower crime rate, Sandy Springs is a perfect balance. According to the newest official data, the crime rate in Sandy Springs per 1000 residents is 19.3. In 2019, residents reported 1,972 property and 143 violent crimes. 

Savannah

Savannah is the county seat of Chatham County and the center of the Savannah metropolitan area, the third-largest in the state. Located on the Savannah River, the city is the oldest in all of Georgia, and it has great historical significance. It’s one of the Georgia coastal towns that served as a strategic port city during wars, and today, it’s an industrial center and a vital Atlantic seaport.

The town has around 144.464 residents, 52% of which are women, and a per capita income in the city of about $25,664. The median household income for the period from 2015 to 2019 was $43,307, and almost 22% of Savannah residents currently live in poverty.

The Savannah, GA crime rate is the same as the average rate for Georgia: 27.2. In 2019, 630 violent crimes were reported, and there were 3,298 property offenses. If you’re looking for a bigger town with an average crime rate that’s close to the water, Savannah might be for you. With a median gross rent of $1,019 and the median value of owner-occupied houses is $156,500, Savannah is decently affordable.

The town’s rich history is what makes it one of the most thrilling places to visit and one of the best cities to live in Georgia. Its Historic District, the First African Baptist Church, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist are must-sees for visitors and locals alike. 

Athens

Athens is a city-county officially called Athens-Clarke County. It’s a satellite city of Atlanta, located just 60 miles from the city and the principal city of the Athens metropolitan area. It officially became a town in 1806, and it was known as the “Manchester of the South” because its growth was fueled by various cotton mills in the area. The town has 126,913 residents, and over 52% of them are females.

The Athens, GA crime rate is above the national average, with a rate of 31.2 per 1000 residents. In 2019, residents reported 3.455 property offenses and 499 violent crimes.

When it comes to the cost of living and earnings, people living in Athens earn less and pay less than most Georgians. The median household income is around $38,311, while per capita income is $23,726. Almost 30% of people live in poverty, and the median gross rent is way lower than the state average at around $856. The median value of housing units that are occupied by owners is $171,000. 

Considering that Athens isn’t among the most dangerous cities in Georgia, it’s a good place to live. Home of the University of Georgia, you will see a lot of students walking around and if you decide to visit Athens, you must see some of their music venues or festivals organized throughout the year.

Augusta

Augusta is a consolidated city-county, properly named Augusta-Richmond County. It is the central city of the Augusta metropolitan area, the second-largest in Georgia. The city lies on the Savannah River, and it’s located just between the beach and the mountains.

Even though it only has around 197,000 residents, it’s one of the biggest cities in Georgia, and it has a valuable geographic and economic significance.

Augusta was founded in 1736 by General James Oglethorpe. At first, it was a market town, and its main purpose was to serve as a place for cotton cultivation. In 1916, a huge fire damaged part of the town, burning many historical buildings and cotton fields.

It’s just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the big city of Atlanta, keeping entertainment and a change of pace not far away. 

The Augusta, GA crime rate is above the state average at 35.5 and around 656 violent and 6,368 property crimes were reported in 2019. 

The median value of owned houses is only $108,000, while the median gross rent is just $888. Incomes are also below average, with a per capita income of just $22.709 and median household incomes of $42,592 a year. About 23% of residents live in poverty.

Columbus

Columbus is located in Muscogee County. It was founded in 1828 and in the 19^th century, it became one of the industrial centers in the South and it currently has a population of 19,769. 

The Columbus, GA crime rate sits at 44 per 1000 residents, making this city more dangerous than others in Georgia. They reported 1,248 violent and 7,368 property crimes in 2019. 

The cost of renting is lower than the national average, with a median gross rent of $906, and the median value of owner-occupied housing units is $141,300. 

On an annual basis, the per capita income is $26,097, while median household income amounts to $46,408. Columbus has around 20% of residents that live in poverty.

While the crime rate might make you think Columbus is among the worst cities in Georgia, living there can be fun, offering lots of exciting places to visit in your spare time.

Macon

Macon is a city-county in Georgia, officially called the Macon-Bibb County. Founded in 1823, Macon is home to 153,159 people.

The median value of houses that are occupied by owners or co-owners is $120,200. The median gross rent is $818, which means Macon is among the cheaper places to live. The median household income, however, is $41, 334, with a per capita income of $25,640. The latest available data shows that almost 25% of residents live in poverty.

The Macon, GA crime rate per 1000 people is 47, which means that a majority of cities in the U.S. are a much safer option. According to the latest official data, residents report 6,333 property offenses and 873 violent crimes a year.

Macon is in the top 10 largest cities in Georgia and has many attractions for tourists and locals alike. Some choice attractions are the Amerson River Park, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and the Hay House, which is a National Historic Landmark.

If you like a city where you can have fun, do a bit of research on home security systems in Georgia and start planning your move! 

Atlanta

Atlanta is the capital of Georgia, is the seat of Fulton County, and the largest city in the state. It’s known for its high-energy lifestyle and countless clubs, bars, and other entertainment establishments. It is also the center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which includes 20 counties and cities. If we were to sort Georgia cities by population, Atlanta would be in first place with around 506,000 residents. 

In the beginning, Atlanta’s primary purpose was to serve as a terminus of a major railroad. Even the name of the city was honoring the Western and Atlantic Railroad’s local depot, but throughout the years, it grew to become a convergence point for various railroads, which led to its popularity.

The Atlanta crime rate is pretty high at 54.4. That is way above the state average. In 2019, residents reported 23,371 property crimes and 4,198 violent offenses. Even though it’s not the best choice when it comes to safety, the income in Atlanta is higher than in most states. The median household income is almost $60,000, and the per capita income sits at $47,424. The median value of occupied housing units amounts to $290,400, while the median gross rent is slightly higher than average at $1,153.

If we look at only the crime rate, Atlanta is one of the worst cities in Georgia. It is a beautiful place, however, and has that big city charm that many want to get to know. 

Valdosta

Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County in Georgia. It’s also the principal city of the Valdosta Metropolitan Area. The latest available data shows that 56,457 people call themselves Valdosta residents, and almost 53% of them are women.

The official stats state that more than 32% of people live in poverty. As this number is way above average, Valdosta might be one of the worst places to live in Georgia.

If you are a botanist or simply love plants, you might recognize this town as the Azalea City. You will see azalea bushes all around the town, and every year in March, the town hosts an Azalea Festival.

The median value of housing units that are occupied by owners is $121,800, and the median gross rent is $780, which means Valdosta has lower rents than in most towns in Georgia. Earnings are also lower in this city, with a per capita income of just $21,559 and a median income for a household of $32,595.

Valdosta, GA’s crime rate is around 57.7, making it safer than only 3% of cities in the United States. In 2019, residents reported 3,045 property offenses and 212 violent crimes.

Albany

Albany is the seat of Dougherty County, and it lies on the Flint River. It officially became a municipality in 1838 and is the principal city of the Albany metropolitan area. The town was founded by Nelson Tift and named after the capital of New York. With a population of 73,130, this town is not only one of the largest cities in the state but has also been rated one of the 10 most ghetto cities in Georgia. 

Throughout history, Albany was an important shipping port. Later, it became a vital railroad hub of Georgia, which is how the town gained its popularity. Today, visitors will be able to enjoy historical buildings around the city, as well as beautiful landscaping, which residents are proud of. Chehaw Park is the most popular site in Albany, with 800 acres of wild-animal land, and it is the home of the Albany State University.

The Albany, GA crime rate, however, is way above the state average, sitting at 59.5. In 2019, residents reported 790 violent and 3,500 property crimes. Most unsettling, the murder rates are three times higher than Georgia’s average, and the numbers for aggravated assault are four times higher than in most cities.

The median household income is $36,615, while per capita income amounts to $20,313. More than 30% of residents live in poverty, which is way above the state’s average, and the median value of owned houses is $99,800, with a median gross rent of around $740.