Is Atlanta’s Crime Rate High? What Residents and Visitors Should Know

Atlanta is a big, busy, fast-growing city, and like many large urban areas, crime is a real concern in some places and less of an issue in others. Whether you are thinking about moving to Atlanta, already live here, or are planning a visit, it helps to understand how crime works across different neighborhoods, what types of crime are most common, and how locals stay safe.

Overall, Atlanta does experience higher crime than many smaller cities and suburbs, especially when you look at property crime and certain pockets of violent crime. But risk levels vary a lot by area, time of day, and lifestyle, and many people live, work, and raise families in Atlanta without serious issues by using basic precautions and choosing their neighborhoods carefully.

How Atlanta’s Crime Rate Compares

Atlanta’s crime picture is mixed:

• Compared with nearby suburbs (like Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, or Decatur), Atlanta generally has higher crime rates, especially in dense, central neighborhoods.
• Compared with other major U.S. cities, Atlanta is typically seen as middle to higher range for crime—not the safest, but not at the very top of the list of most dangerous cities either.
• Within the city itself, safety can change drastically within just a few blocks, depending on housing, income, nightlife, and foot traffic.

Because the city is a hub for business, tourism, nightlife, and major events, petty theft, car break-ins, and occasional violent incidents cluster around busy areas where lots of people gather.

The key takeaway: Atlanta’s overall crime rate is relatively high compared with many smaller communities, but your personal experience will depend heavily on where you spend your time and how you navigate the city.

Types of Crime Most Common in Atlanta

Understanding what kinds of crime are most common can be more useful than just looking at a single “crime rate” number.

Property Crime

Property crime tends to be the biggest issue for many people in Atlanta:

• Car break-ins and theft (often called “entering auto”)
• Package theft from porches and apartment lobbies
• Burglaries in homes and apartments, especially where security is weaker
• Theft of items left unattended in public spaces

Some patterns Atlanta residents often notice:

• Parking lots near nightlife spots, trailheads, and tourist attractions may see more car break-ins.
• Apartment complexes and condos without controlled access can see more package theft.
• Areas with a lot of parked cars and foot traffic, like parts of Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead, may see more opportunistic property crime.

Violent Crime

Violent crime in Atlanta is more concentrated in certain neighborhoods and at certain times:

• Aggravated assaults and shootings are more likely late at night and in areas with ongoing conflicts or heavy drug activity.
• Robberies can occur in nightlife districts, parking lots, or less-traveled streets, often at night.
• Domestic-related incidents typically occur in homes and may not be visible to visitors or passersby.

Many Atlanta residents find that daytime feels generally safe in most business and residential areas, while late-night hours can carry higher risk in specific pockets. People who stay in well-lit, populated areas and use common-sense precautions often feel relatively secure.

Safety Varies Widely by Neighborhood

One of the most important things to understand about crime in Atlanta is how unevenly it is distributed. Some areas feel almost suburban and calm; others experience more frequent incidents.

Below is a generalized snapshot, not a definitive rating. Safety can change over time, and even “safer” areas can have incidents.

Within each broad area, specific streets, complexes, and corners can differ dramatically, so locals often look at:

• How well-lit the streets are
• Whether there are active neighbors and regular foot traffic
• Building security (gates, key fobs, cameras)
• Proximity to major nightlife strips or isolated industrial areas

If you’re relocating, renters and homebuyers often talk with neighbors, visit at different times of day, and review publicly available crime mapping tools from the Atlanta Police Department (APD).

Is It Safe to Visit Atlanta as a Tourist?

For most visitors, Atlanta is reasonably safe when you stick to well-traveled areas and pay attention to your surroundings.

Popular visitor areas include:

• Downtown (Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, CNN Center area)
• Midtown (Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre, museum district)
• Buckhead (Lenox Square area, restaurants, hotels)
• Old Fourth Ward / BeltLine Eastside Trail (Ponce City Market, parks, trails)

Common tourist-focused crime concerns:

• Car break-ins in parking decks and surface lots
• Pickpocketing or theft of bags in crowded spots
• Scams or aggressive panhandling in some high-traffic areas

Basic precautions go a long way:

• Don’t leave valuables in your car, even for a short time.
• Use hotel safes when possible.
• At night, prefer rideshare, MARTA rail, or well-marked taxis over long walks in unfamiliar, quiet areas.
• Stay on main streets and busy, well-lit corridors.

Millions of people visit Atlanta every year for conventions, concerts, festivals, and sports without serious trouble. The visitors who run into problems most often are those who leave items visible in vehicles or wander into less-traveled areas late at night.

Living in Atlanta: Everyday Safety Experience

If you’re considering moving to Atlanta, the more relevant question is: What does day-to-day life feel like?

What Many Residents Experience

Many Atlantans report routines like:

• Walking dogs or jogging in local neighborhoods, especially in areas like Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Grant Park, West Midtown, and parts of Westside/BeltLine.
• Driving to work or using MARTA for commutes from neighborhoods near transit stations.
• Going out to restaurants and events in Midtown, Inman Park, Edgewood, or Buckhead, while paying extra attention to where they park and how they get home.

Most long-term residents adapt by:

• Getting to know neighbors and joining neighborhood associations.
• Staying informed through local apps, social media groups, and community meetings.
• Taking steps to protect cars, bikes, and packages.

Home and Apartment Security

Residents often focus on deterring property crime:

• Using doorbell cameras or security systems
• Adding deadbolts, window locks, and motion-activated lights
• Requesting package lockers or delivery to leasing offices
• Parking in garages or gated lots when possible

In single-family homes, people often choose neighborhoods where neighbors look out for each other, and they may join or start a Neighborhood Watch or similar community effort.

Factors That Influence Crime in Atlanta

Like many major cities, Atlanta’s crime patterns are shaped by a mix of:

• Economic inequality and housing instability
• Concentrations of nightlife, bars, and late-night businesses
• Major transportation corridors and highway access
• Large events and conventions that draw crowds and tourists

Seasonal shifts also occur:

• Warmer months generally see more people outside and more activity, which can increase opportunities for crime.
• Major events (like sports playoffs, big concerts, or festivals) can cause temporary spikes in car break-ins or petty theft around venues.

Practical Safety Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

You cannot control citywide crime rates, but you can lower your personal risk with some simple habits.

Around Your Car

• 🚗 Never leave valuables visible: Bags, laptops, guns, briefcases, and shopping bags are prime targets.
• Choose well-lit parking lots or decks with cameras when possible.
• Lock your doors and avoid leaving anything in the car overnight in high-traffic or unfamiliar areas.
• If you must keep items in the trunk, secure them before you reach your destination, not when you park.

While Out and About

• Stay in well-lit, populated streets, especially at night.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or flashing large amounts of cash in crowded nightlife areas.
• When using rideshare, double-check the vehicle and driver details before getting in.
• Trust your instincts: if a street or situation feels off, change routes or step inside a business.

At Home or Your Rental

• Keep doors and windows locked, even during the day if you are distracted or away from the front of the home.
• Consider smart locks, cameras, or alarms if you are long-term.
• If you’re staying in a short-term rental, check that exterior doors lock securely and there is adequate lighting outside.

How to Check Crime in a Specific Atlanta Area

If you’re choosing a neighborhood, hotel, or rental, it’s wise to check localized information, not just citywide numbers.

Atlanta residents often:

• Review crime mapping tools provided by law enforcement or local news outlets.
• Talk directly with neighbors, building managers, or local business owners.
• Visit at different times of day—morning, evening, and late at night—to see how the area feels.
• Ask about building security features: controlled access, on-site staff, cameras, and lighting.

Because Atlanta’s crime can be highly localized, this street-level perspective usually tells you more than a single citywide rating.

Key Local Resources for Crime and Safety in Atlanta

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, these official resources can help you stay informed or get help.

Atlanta Police Department (APD)

• Headquarters: 226 Peachtree St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Non-emergency: 404-614-6544
• Emergency: 911

APD provides information on:

• Police zones and neighborhood patrols
• Community policing and neighborhood liaison officers
• Public reports on crime trends and safety initiatives

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office

• Main Office: 185 Central Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Non-emergency main line: 404-612-5100

Handles county-level law enforcement, jail operations, and some court-related security in much of the Atlanta area.

City of Atlanta 311

• Phone: 3-1-1 (within city limits) or 404-546-0311
• Useful for reporting non-emergency issues like broken streetlights, damaged signs, or other safety-related maintenance that affects how secure an area feels.

So, Does Atlanta Have a High Crime Rate?

In straightforward terms:

• Yes, Atlanta’s overall crime rate is higher than many smaller cities and suburbs, especially for property crime.
• Violent crime exists but is concentrated in specific neighborhoods and situations, rather than being spread evenly across the entire city.
• Many people comfortably live, work, and visit Atlanta every day, improving their safety by choosing their neighborhoods carefully, staying aware, and following basic precautions.

If you are moving to or visiting Atlanta, think less in terms of a single “high or low” label and more in terms of:

• Which neighborhood or area you’ll be in most often
• Your daily routines and transportation choices
• The practical steps you’re willing to take to protect yourself and your property

With realistic expectations and common-sense safety habits, most people find that Atlanta is manageable and rewarding to live in or visit, even while acknowledging that crime is a serious and ongoing challenge in parts of the city.