Safest Places to Live in Georgia (2026): Costs & Safety

2025 Update: Georgia’s safety landscape shows a clear divide-while statewide crime remains below national norms, top suburbs like Senoia, Douglas, and Holly Springs now report some of the lowest crime rates ever recorded. Several cities post violent-crime odds well under 1 in 5,000, placing them among the safest communities in the Southeast.

Safety matters more than perception-only 36% of Georgians feel safe despite lower crime levels, making verified data essential. The latest GCIC and FBI reports reveal sharp contrasts between metro hotspots and rural havens, with property crime accounting for nearly 84% of reported incidents statewide.

Looking for Georgia’s most secure suburbs and small towns? This guide breaks down real crime trends, family-safety indicators, and where low-risk living meets strong long-term value.

Georgia hosts numerous communities that are considered safe havens, with cities like Senoia, Douglas, and Holly Springs consistently ranking among the safest places to live. While Georgia's crime rates are generally lower than the national average, citizens frequently express significant concern about safety and gun violence.

Only about 36% of Georgians reported feeling safe in their state, which is the fifth lowest percentage in the nation. Despite lower crime statistics, Georgians reported the highest percentage of gun violence experiences in the nation. The most recent comprehensive crime data available from the Georgia Crime Information Center reflects statistics based on local agency submissions from 2020 through 2024.

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Georgia’s crime landscape is more heavily influenced by property crime than violent crime. The violent crime rate sits at about 339 per 100,000 residents, below the U.S. average, while property crime is 1,770 per 100,000, also lower than the national rate.

In 2024, larceny-theft was the most common crime, making up 61.6% of all reported incidents. According to the Crime Clock, a violent crime occurred roughly every 16 minutes, while a property crime happened about every 3.5 minutes.

Most crime in Georgia is concentrated in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), which accounted for 88.9% of all 2024 Index Crimes. The Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Alpharetta metro alone contributed 54% of all MSA crime.

Non-metro areas saw far fewer incidents (11.1%), and many rural communities remain significantly safer. For example, Douglas, GA, has a total crime rate 63% lower than the national average. In contrast, College Park, a suburb of Atlanta, has the state’s highest crime rate-reportedly 500% higher than the Georgia average, largely due to property crimes.

Safety evaluations rely on FBI UCR and NIBRS data, focusing on crime rates per 1,000 residents. Rankings consider:

• Violent crime (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault)

• Property crime (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft)

Georgia’s safest cities outperform the state average significantly:

• Average violent crime rate: 0.77 per 1,000

• Average property crime rate: 8.19 per 1,000

Specific examples of top-ranked cities (rates per 1,000 residents, based on 2025 rankings):

Georgia offers a diverse safety landscape, with numerous suburbs and small towns consistently demonstrating crime rates far below state and national averages. Communities in the Safest Cities of Georgia share traits like strong community engagement, quality schools, and low rates of violent crime. The safest cities generally have an average violent crime rate of just 0.77 incidents per 1,000 residents.

• Violent crime: 0.64 per 1,000 residents (1 in 1,560 chance) vs. Georgia average of 1 in 284. Property crime: 5.75 per 1,000 (1 in 174).

• Named No.1 Best Place to Live in the U.S. (2025–2026) by topping the low-crime rankings

• Top-tier schools, thriving economic outlook, lush suburbs with parks.

• Premier safety and prestige. Low crime rates, a high quality of life, and home appreciation potential make Johns Creek a smart long-term investment.

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• Violent crime: 0.37 per 1,000 residents (1 in 2,680 chance). Overall crime rate: 14.84 vs. U.S. average 33.37.

• Tangible cost of crime: ~$164 per resident-$102 less than Georgia average.

• Unique golf-cart path network, planned community, excellent suburban schools.

• Safe, charming, and cost-effective. Low crime costs + strong community design equals high value for families.

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• Violent crime: ~0.87 per 1,000 (1 in 1,150 chance); property crime: ~5.65 per 1,000 (1 in 177 chance)-both well below Georgia average.
• Overall crime rates 69.8% lower than national average.

• Equestrian-friendly, large lots, peaceful rural-suburban blend.

Quiet, protective, and serene. For those seeking space without compromising safety, Milton delivers.

• Violent crime: about 3.0 per 1,000 (1 in 334 chance) vs. Georgia average of 1 in 284. Property crime: ~13.66 per 1,000.
• On Niche: Violent & property crime significantly below national norms.
• Areavibes reports Alpharetta’s crime rate 32% lower than U.S. average.

• Fast-growing tech corridor, walkable downtown, award-winning schools.

• Safe yet urban-savvy. For professionals and families targeting top amenities and security.

• Violent crime: 0.10 per 1,000 (1 in 9,770 chance). Property crime: 4.61 per 1,000 (1 in 217 chance).
• Overall crime score: 3.96 vs. U.S. average 33.37; ranked safer than 71% of U.S. cities.

• Tight-knit community feel with affordable housing and rural charm.

• Exceptional safety with small-town peace and growing value-ideal for first-time buyers.

• Total crime rate: ~19.1 per 1,000, which is lower than the U.S. avg of ~33.4 per 1,000.
• Violent crime rate: 1.83 per 1,000 (1 in 546 chance) -significantly below the Georgia average (1 in 284).

• Ranked “B minus” for safety on Niche, with violent and property crime well below national norms.
• Strong community vibe-over 68% of residents report feeling “very safe.”

• Suwanee offers a rare blend of low crime, community confidence, and suburban comfort. It’s ideal for families prioritizing both security and neighborhood connection.

• Violent crime rate: 1.05 per 1,000 (1 in 956 chance)-well below national average. Property crime: 25.84 per 1,000 (1 in 39 chance).
• On Nextdoor, overall crime rates are roughly on par with U.S. average but violent crime is significantly lower.
• Tangible crime cost per resident: ~$308-considerably lower than Georgia and U.S. benchmarks.

• Historic downtown, quality schools, and accessible commute to metro Atlanta.
• Crime trends show steady improvement in property crime over the last decade.

• Fayetteville delivers history, safety, and smart costs-making it a strategic choice for families seeking balance: culture-rich, accessible, and affordably secure.

• Violent crime: 0.91 per 1,000 (1 in 1,105 chance); property crime: 22.96 per 1,000 (1 in 44 chance).
• An overall crime rate lower than the national average (29.85 vs. 33.37), with violent crime significantly lower.
• Decatur safer than only 21% of U.S. cities, but local areas within Decatur (e.g., northeast) are far safer.

• Liveable, walkable, artsy-Decatur combines culture, connectivity, and selective safety through micro-neighborhood distinctions (e.g., Parkwood area).

• If you're someone who wants vibrant city life with select safe pockets, Decatur offers urban culture, schools, and security-but you must choose the right neighborhood.

• Total projected cost of crime: ~$291 per resident, far below both Georgia and U.S. averages.
• NeighborhoodScout data: Violent crime = 1.55 per 1,000 (1 in 647 chance); property crime = 7.76 per 1,000 (1 in 129 chance). This places Canton safer than ~47% of U.S. cities.
• Crime in Canton has dropped dramatically-violent crime down 60%, property crime down 57% year-over-year.

• Rapidly growing suburb with local investments in infrastructure and safety.
• Ranked among the top 5% safest U.S. suburbs.

• Canton scores on safety, value, and momentum. If you want growth potential paired with dramatic crime declines, it’s a smart, forward-looking market.

• NeighborhoodScout: Crime rate among the lowest-1 in 206 chance of victimization; violent crime: 0.63 per 1,000 (1 in 1,579 chance); property crime: 4.22 per 1,000 (1 in 237 chance).
• Areavibes confirms overall crime rates in Cumming are ~48% below national average; violent crime ~47% lower.
• CrimeGrade projects the 2025 violent crime cost per resident at only $162-well below Georgia and U.S. averages.

• Serene charm near Lake Lanier, award-winning Forsyth County schools, and scenic communities.

• Cumming is ideal if you want lakeside living, schooling excellence, and top-tier safety. It’s a lifestyle haven that performs well both on safety and comfort.

For broader regional insights, check out Safest Cities to Live in North Carolina to see how safe housing markets compare.

To understand how supply and demand shape safe neighborhood prices, dive into Safest Cities to Live in Maryland.

When seeking a safe location for families in Georgia, the focus often shifts from high-density metropolitan cores to well-managed suburbs, tranquil small towns, and peaceful rural havens. Georgia offers several communities recognized for low crime rates, high-quality schools, and strong community engagement.

Suburbs in the Atlanta metro area frequently dominate lists of safe places to live due to intentional community planning and strong resources.

• Loganville: This city is situated within the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Loganville is noted as an emerging suburban area providing a welcoming atmosphere for families.

• Dacula: Specific data for Dacula is not provided in the sources.

• Braselton: Braselton consistently ranks as one of Georgia's safest cities, ranking #9 in the 2025 SafeWise list. Braselton has successfully evolved from a small farming community into a popular Atlanta suburb known for maintaining exceptional safety.

Georgia’s rural mountain towns offer something many metro areas can’t: low crime, homes, and lower insurance costs due to reduced congestion, fewer theft claims, and strong community policing. These towns appeal to families, retirees, and remote workers who want peace, nature, and safety-all without the high suburban price tag.

Crime trends in Georgia are heavily concentrated in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), especially concerning Property Crime (Total Index Crime incidents were 205,472 in 2024). A comparison between major hotspots and their adjacent safe alternatives reveals significant differences in crime exposure, as measured by the 2024 Index Crime Density per county.

In Georgia, the safest places to live usually come with higher home prices. Wealthy suburbs like Milton and Johns Creek have very low crime but are expensive. However, you can still find safer options in smaller towns and growing suburbs if you’re working with a tighter budget.

The Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Alpharetta region accounts for more than half of Georgia’s crime, so ongoing safety investments matter for nearby affordable neighborhoods.

• More Funding: Atlanta’s 2025 budget allocates $29.8M to public safety, including more police staffing.

• Better Technology: The city is investing $3.4M in tech upgrades (body cameras, data storage) and $750K in new surveillance cameras. Cities that expand camera systems often see crime drop, so similar results may follow in monitored areas.

• Why It’s Needed: Murders in Atlanta increased 15% in early 2024.

• High-Crime Example: College Park remains the highest-crime city in Georgia, with a crime rate five times the state average-mostly property-related.

These cities offer safer environments within their respective regions, even if not ranked specifically for affordability.

Located in the Warner Robins MSA, south of the higher-crime Macon area.

• MSA Crime: 3,887 Index Crimes in 2024 (1.9% of Georgia’s MSA crime), far lower than Macon-Bibb’s 8,645 incidents.

• County Safety: Houston County’s Index Crime Density is 21.26, much safer than Bibb County’s 52.12.

A regional hub in South Georgia with moderate crime but a strong local economy.

• MSA Crime: 3,942 Index Crimes in 2024 (also 1.9% of total).

• County Crime Density: Lowndes County scores 29.76, with 325 aggravated assaults and 2,706 larceny-thefts reported in 2024.

A family-friendly option within the Atlanta metro, benefiting from Fayette County’s low crime levels.

• County Crime Density: Fayette County has a low score of 9.46 and reported only 1,185 Index Crimes in 2024.

• Nearby Tyrone, also in Fayette County, ranks among the top safest cities in Georgia.

Find budget-friendly towns where you can save up to 40% vs the U.S. average-all while enjoying low-crime living.

5 Affordable & Safest Places to Live in Georgia (2025)

Georgia, when viewed as a whole, is generally ranked in the middle when compared to the rest of the United States in terms of crime. However, the state exhibits a unique profile concerning violent crime experiences compared to national trends.

A full comparison is limited because Florida’s 2024 FBI crime data is incomplete. However, based on available information:

• Violent Crime: ~339 per 100,000 residents (slightly below the U.S. average).

• Property Crime: 1,770 per 100,000 residents, lower than the national rate and among the lowest in the country.

• Limited statewide data, but some small cities show high violent crime.

• Florida City, for example, recorded an extremely high aggravated assault rate: 1,696 per 100,000 residents.

There’s no full statewide comparison for Texas either, but localized data highlight key differences:

• Beeville, TX recorded a very high burglary rate: 2,073.6 per 100,000 residents.

• Despite moderate overall crime rates, 20% of Georgians reported experiencing gun violence in the previous eight months-the highest percentage in the nation.

Both states experience relatively lower property crime compared to national averages.

• Georgia: 20% of residents

• North Carolina: 17%, placing it among the lowest in the country.

• Some small cities, like Lumberton (2,032.8) and Laurinburg (1,627.3) per 100,000, report high burglary rates.

• Many cities excel in overall safety and school quality.

• Johns Creek was ranked the #1 Safest City to Raise a Family in 2022.