Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Atlanta
Go Back To Previous PageIs Atlanta, GA, Safe?
Atlanta has a higher crime rate than many large U.S. cities. However, some parts of the town are pretty safe. While there is a strong police presence in Downtown, neighborhoods may
raise safety concerns. Crime rates vary by area, with the most dangerous places typically found in the southwestern part of the city. The most common crimes in Atlanta include theft, pickpocketing, and car theft.
Violent crimes, such as murder and assault, also occur. Here are some of the most dangerous places to live in Atlanta.
1. Mechanicsville
The most dangerous neighborhood in Atlanta is Mechanicsville. This city is also one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, with a population of 5,886. The violent crime rate in Mechanicsville is alarmingly high at 2,530 incidents per 100,000 people.
Gun violence related to gang activity is prevalent, and residents often express concerns about their safety, especially at night. Common crimes reported in the area include theft, burglary, and auto theft.
Many residents feel that the police presence is insufficient, and safety regulations in the neighborhood are not adequately enforced.
2. Vine City
One of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Atlanta is Vine City. The Bluff and nearby English Avenue are known as one of the city’s most dangerous places. Even with ongoing efforts to improve the area, it still has high levels of violence.
The violent crime rate is 2,204 incidents for every 100,000 people. The property crime rate is even higher at 15,528 incidents per 100,000 people. Additionally, Vine City has significant poverty issues, with almost 50% of families living below the poverty line.
3. English Avenue
English Avenue is regarded as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Atlanta, primarily because of its high crime rate. It shares a border with Vine City and faces similar challenges, such as elevated crime levels and significant poverty.
The violent crime rate in English Avenue is 2,060 incidents per 100,000 people. Common crimes in the neighborhood include assaults, robberies, and drug offenses.
4. Adair Park
Adair Park is considered one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in Atlanta. It has a population of 1,479 and a violent crime rate of 2,024 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 138% higher than the city average.
Property crime is also prevalent, with home invasions, car theft, and personal theft occurring frequently. Residents have a 1 in 36 chance of becoming victims of any crime in this neighborhood.
5. Oakland City
Located in southwestern Atlanta, Oakland City is considered the most dangerous neighborhood. Its violent crime rate is 1,246 incidents per 100,000 people, based on a population of 6,350. This results in an overall crime rate 290% higher than the national average.
Oakland City, with an average income of $22,857, faces numerous challenges related to poverty.
Additionally, Oakland City is situated along the Atlanta Beltline and borders other high-crime areas, such as West and Adair Park.
6. Sweet Auburn
Sweet Auburn is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Atlanta. Located directly east of Downtown, the Downtown area is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, museums, art galleries, and street art.
Sweet Auburn is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, which marks the birthplace of the famous civil rights leader. However, its proximity to downtown Atlanta contributes to a high crime rate.
The total crime rate in Sweet Auburn is 6,639 crimes for every 100,000 people. This is 44% higher than the rest of Atlanta and 186% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate in this neighborhood is 262% higher than the national average, while property crime is 171% higher.
Sweet Auburn is more dangerous than 98% of cities in Georgia. The chance of becoming a crime victim is about 1 in 16.
7. Lakewood Heights
Lakewood Heights is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Atlanta, located in the southeastern part of the city. It has a violent crime rate of 994 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a hazardous area to live in. Residents often report hearing gunshots, indicating that violent crime remains a significant issue.
Even with these concerns, Lakewood Heights has many of Atlanta’s TV and film studios. This includes the famous EUE/Screen Gems soundstage, which opened in 2010.
8. Five Points
Five Points is considered a dangerous neighborhood in Atlanta. The area features a busy commercial district and is home to the sprawling Underground Atlanta, a popular shopping and entertainment complex in Downtown’s heart.
People know Five Points for its vibrant street art, vintage shops, and numerous eateries.
The large number of people walking around makes Five Points one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Atlanta. The total crime statistics in this area are 5,941 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 29% higher than the Atlanta average and 156% higher than the national average.
The violent crime rate is 194% higher than the national average. The property crime rate is 148% above the national average.
9. Center Hill
Center Hill, located near central Atlanta, has a population of 5,471. The neighborhood experiences a violent crime rate of 1,048 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 3,720 incidents per 100,000 people. Gun violence occurs occasionally in Center Hill, and other violent & property crimes, such as assaults, are common.
The majority of property crimes involve home invasions and car thefts.
This area is considered a low-income neighborhood with limited access to basic amenities and employment opportunities. Overall, crime rates in Center Hill are 24% higher than the national average, and residents face a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim of any crime.
10. West End
The West End is another dangerous neighborhood in Atlanta.
This city is one of its oldest and most historic areas, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The violent crime rate in the West End is 22% higher than the national average, while the property crime rate is 54% above the national average.
Despite these high crime rates, much of the neighborhood is currently experiencing gentrification and renovation efforts.
11. Adamsville
Located on the west side of Atlanta, Adamsville has a population of 7,789 and a violent crime rate of 859 per 100,000 people.
Adamsville is a low-income area with an average income of $21,000. Many residents feel unsafe because of the prevalence of shootings and other violent crimes.
Commonly reported crimes in the area include robberies, prostitution, and open drug sales. Like Mechanicsville, residents express concerns that crime tends to cluster around specific locations, such as gas stations, and that police do not adequately patrol these areas. Drug overdoses frequently occur in neighborhoods where crime is concentrated.
12. Grove Park
One of the most dangerous areas in Atlanta is Grove Park. This neighborhood, located in Northwest Atlanta, has a violent crime rate of 829 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 21% higher than the national average.
The property crime rate is nearly double that of violent crimes, with burglaries, car thefts, and personal theft being common occurrences.
Although Grove Park is a transitioning neighborhood, many residents still live below the poverty line, with an average household income of $28,500.
13. Adams Park
Adams Park, located in Southwest Atlanta, has a population of 3,146 residents and a violent crime rate of 623 incidents per 100,000 people. The neighborhood boasts an average household income of $50,000, higher than many other areas on this list.
Common crimes in Adams Park include assaults, thefts, and burglaries. Although some parts of the neighborhood are undergoing gentrification, many areas still experience high crime rates.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Atlanta: Bottom Line
Atlanta is a constantly growing and changing city, but it still has several neighborhoods with high crime rates. Many of the areas experiencing significant violence are located in the Southwest, where gang activity and the drug trade contribute to these high rates.
Although many neighborhoods are transitioning and improving, some criminal elements remain, though they are gradually declining. If you plan to visit or move to Atlanta, using common sense and being aware of your surroundings is essential.
