Atlanta was among the most dangerous; but violent crime rates are falling

Atlanta was among the most dangerous; but violent crime rates are falling

The Atlanta skyline seen from the Jackson Bridge, the setting for the TV show “Walking Dead”, shows speeding cars heading towards the skyline. (Photo by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

According to a recent survey by Safe and Sound Security, Atlanta ranks 14th on the list of most dangerous cities in the United States. The report highlights aggravated assault as the most common crime in Atlanta, as well as the three highest priority cities on the list: Memphis, St. Louis and Little Rock.

According to the survey, Atlanta struggles with a high rate of violent crime, including aggravated assault, at 8.64 per 1,000 residents. Although the city is an important economic and cultural center, crime rates remain a concern. Safe and Sound notes that Atlanta’s crime reduction efforts include a mix of community policing and social programs aimed at addressing key factors that contribute to crime.

However, there is some positive news. According to the Atlanta Police Department’s 2023 year-end crime report, aggravated assaults fell 16%, with nearly 2,700 cases reported in 2023 compared to 3,200 in 2022. There were also fluctuations in other violent crimes, such as murder and rape. Homicides fell 17% in 2023 compared to the previous year, while rapes saw a 51% decline.

As of September 2024, the number of serious physical injuries has continued to decline: 1,845 incidents have been reported so far this year, compared to 2,036 in the same period in 2023. The number of homicides has also decreased by 10% compared to last year (94 compared to 105) . Unfortunately, the number of rapes has increased: 62 cases have been reported so far in 2024, compared to 44 during the same period in 2023.

There is a mixed trend in property crime. Robberies and thefts from motor vehicles have decreased, while burglaries and shoplifting have increased slightly. Motor vehicle theft, however, recorded a significant decline of 22%.

For more detailed crime statistics, see the Atlanta Police Department Crime Report.

Although Atlanta is on the list of most dangerous cities, the overall trend shows progress in reducing violent crime. The city continues to address its challenges through a combination of law enforcement strategies and community initiatives.

Top 20 Most Dangerous Cities in America:

  1. Memphis
  2. St Louis
  3. Little Rock
  4. Minneapolis
  5. Detroit
  6. Kansas City
  7. New Orleans
  8. Cleveland
  9. Birmingham
  10. Houston
  11. Milwaukee
  12. Orlando
  13. Baltimore
  14. Atlanta
  15. Stockton
  16. new York
  17. Phoenix
  18. Los Angeles
  19. Las Vegas
  20. Miami