The Top 10 Most Dangerous Places in Georgia

Georgia is a state that sits just above the state of Florida and below the state of South Carolina. The state has a reputation for its stunning natural wonders and delicious peaches. But other factors also contribute to the danger element that Georgia presents.

Many cities in Georgia have elements to them that make them dangerous. Ultimately, there are numerous ways that a city can be dangerous. Some have large amounts of violent crime. Conversely, there are cities that can be dangerous due to poor road conditions or severe weather.

Georgia is a historic state with a rich history and many elements that make it unique. Ideally, certain situations and scenarios make some of these cities dangerous.

We are here to discuss the top 10 most dangerous places in Georgia and analyze what makes them so deadly to people living there. Additionally, we will explain our reasoning and showcase data to further illustrate our points.

10. Tallulah Falls, GA

The place on this list is not here due to the high crime rate. Instead, it is on this list due to numerous dangerous environments that can cause injury or fatalities if the person exploring it does not take careful consideration. Tallulah Gorge State Park is the main reason for inclusion on this list.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources outlines some safety precautions when visiting this park. Ultimately, the reason for this is due to the many unpredictable elements that can make this trail dangerous. It is also there due to tragedies that have happened here. For instance, there was a pharmacist who fell 250 feet to their death when they visited one of the falls and lost their balance. There was also a firefighter who died in a swimming accident in 2017. Also, two children died while swimming there in 2004.

Tallulah Gorge spans almost 1,000 feet deep and also extends across two miles inside the massive state park. Thus, the extent of this makes it one of the most dangerous places in Georgia to visit or live near.

9. Savannah, GA

Savannah is relatively safer from violent and property crime than the other cities you will see on this list. However, it is on this list due to the deadly accidents that have happened in the city on the prevalent roads.

There were 28 vehicles involved in fatal accidents in Savannah in 2021, according to a report from City Data. These figures also included 38 people involved in the accidents, with eight of them being pedestrians.

Interstate 16 is also one of the deadliest roads in Georgia. Therefore, there is always an element of danger when driving down this road at night or through bad weather. It is why Savannah earns its spot as one of the most dangerous places in Georgia.

8. Augusta, GA

Augusta also has deadly highways that make it dangerous to travel. Additionally, it is not just the fatal accidents that make it dangerous. The roads of Augusta are also deteriorating, as numerous potholes line the roads, which can cause severe tire damage and ultimately put people’s lives in danger when they are driving.

As bad as that is, there are other factors that make Augusta dangerous. Moreover, if you are to go into any of the surrounding lakes or rivers, you may encounter an alligator. While alligators are much more timid than their cousins, the crocodile, they are still a dangerous animal that can attack or even kill you if you are near them. Sadly, an 83-year-old woman died from an alligator attack just outside of Savannah in 2007. Alligators are among the deadliest animals in Georgia, and it is another reason why Augusta is one of the most dangerous places in Georgia.

7. Macon, GA

When you travel to Macon, you may see a lot of great culture and great places to eat. On the contrary, you might also find some dangerous elements. Macon has some of the highest crime rates in property theft as well as violent crimes.

Macon averages a crime rating of 59.41 for every 1,000 residents, according to Crime Grade. Residents have stated that the northern part of the area is generally the more dangerous part of the city. The crime rate in Macon is approximately 62 percent higher than the national average. Moreover, drug activity is continually rising, and there is no end in sight.

City-Data revealed the crime rate in Macon has been significantly higher than in other cities in Georgia, even as far back as 2013. Therefore, it earns its slot on this list among the most dangerous places in Georgia.

6. Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is the biggest and most popular city on this list. Thus, it is not a surprise to see it land in this article. Atlanta deals with numerous elements that make it dangerous. Moreover, it has certain variables that highlight the danger.

According to the Atlanta Police Department, there were 959 calls per month related to violent fights. Additionally, there were 780 cases of criminal trespassing. There were also 593 cases of automobile accidents and 405 cases of suspicious people.

Atlanta has decreased in violent crime. However, the homicide rates have slowly crept up. Those figures help Atlanta earn its spot on this list of most dangerous places in Georgia.

Atlanta also is near Altoona Lake, which features some 12 deadly snakes slithering around the area. Therefore, even if you avoid the crime, there is always the threat of wildlife presenting a danger. Atlanta and the areas surrounding it can be fun. Yet, there are parts of the area that are very treacherous, and you should proceed with caution.

5. Forest Park, GA

A 2020 report by City Data revealed that Forrest Park had a crime rate that was 2.1 times higher than the national average. Moreover, crime increased by 22 percent from the previous year. While property crime has slowly decreased over the years, violent crime has gone up. Unfortunately, the crime rate is 59 per every 1,000 residents. Assault was the biggest crime reported there.

This is even more concerning, considering it is a town of approximately 19,000 people. Moreover, it is something that should not stand for a small town. Forrest Park does not make many lists in Georgia. However, it does stand as one of the most dangerous places in Georgia.

4. Chattahoochee National Forest

Taking a break from the places with high crime, we present a forest that can be incredibly dangerous to anyone who does not mind their surroundings. Moreover, when hiking or exploring this forest, it is best to understand what you will need to deal with.

It is the largest forest in Georgia and features so many elements that make it dangerous. First, anyone who explores this forest that is north of Atlanta must prepare themselves for everything they might endure, which includes sudden changes in weather and tough brush.

You may also encounter dangerous animals, such as black bears. Significantly, you should always prepare yourself with a plan if you ever encounter one. You also might run into a bobcat that has visited the area.

The unpredictable factors of animals and other elements make the Chattahoochee National Forest one of the most dangerous places in Georgia.

3. Cordele, GA

Cordele has approximately 11,000 residents in their town. Yet, they have had a bad history with crime over the past decade. They had the fourth-most murders in Georgia in 2012, as well as the fourth-most property crimes in the state.

A rough estimate in recent years revealed that residents in Cordele have a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Therefore, it remains a dangerous city. City-Data revealed that Cordele had a crime rate of 465, which is higher than 96 percent of the cities in the country.

2. Albany, GA

There is another Albany. Yes, this one is in Georgia. Albany has the unfortunate honor of being on this list due to its high crime rate. Moreover, the crime rate has not gotten better and continues to get worse.

A report by the Albany Police Department revealed that there were 189 violent crimes in January 2023. Sadly, it represented an increase from the 156 violent crimes reported in December 2022. Assaults were the biggest offense reported. Meanwhile, property crimes went up as there were 426 reported in January 2023, which was up from 412 in December 2022. The August 2023 data revealed an even bigger increase, as there were 202 reported violent crimes, with 438 property crimes.

Albany has a 22 percent poverty rate, which contributes to its increasing danger. Moreover, the deteriorating conditions contribute to the violence and the increased chances of danger. It earns its place on this list of most dangerous places in Georgia.

1. College Park, GA

College Park has some violent crime that makes it dangerous to be near. Ultimately, 21.46 per every 1,000 residents have suffered from violent crimes, according to Security Gauge Neighborhood Scout.

College Park has a population of about 35,000 people. Thus, the crime rate per capita represents a figure that makes the city 228 percent more dangerous than any average city in the state. Georgia residents face a 14 percent chance of becoming a victim of a crime.

There are several projects that the city is conducting to help improve its status and reputation. For now, it sits on this list as the most dangerous place in Georgia.