By Atlanta is an expanding city with a thriving economy, pleasant climate, and a diverse cultural landscape, making it an attractive place to reside or explore. Nonetheless, it is important to steer clear of dangerous areas in Atlanta. Below, you will find a list of the 10 neighborhoods with the highest rates of crime in the city.
Is Atlanta Safe?
Atlanta is known to have some of the most dangerous areas in the city, with high crime rates and safety concerns. While many neighborhoods are safe, the most dangerous areas in Atlanta are primarily located in the Southwestern part of the city, including neighborhoods like Bankhead, Grove Park, and Bowen Homes. These areas are notorious for their high rates of violent crime, including homicide, assault, and robbery. It is important to exercise caution when in these neighborhoods and to avoid them altogether, if possible.
Atlanta experiences various types of crimes, including theft, pickpocketing, and car theft, as well as violent crimes like murder and assault. In light of this, it is important to be aware of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Atlanta, which include areas like Bankhead, Grove Park, and Bowen Homes, where the rates of violent crimes such as homicide, assault, and robbery are high. It is advisable to exercise caution while in these areas and to take necessary precautions to stay safe.
10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Atlanta
- Mechanicsville
- English Avenue and Vine City
- Adair Park
- Oakland City
- Lakewood Heights
- Center Hill
- West End
- Adamsville
- Grove Park
- Adams Park
1. Mechanicsville
Mechanicsville is considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Atlanta, and it is also one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, with a population of 5,886. The area has a high violent crime rate of 2,517 incidents per 100,000 people, often related to gun violence and gang activity. Many residents express concerns about safety, especially at night, as thefts, burglaries, and car thefts are common occurrences. Unfortunately, residents feel that the police presence in Mechanicsville is insufficient, and safety codes are not being properly enforced in the neighborhood.
2. English Avenue and Vine City
English Avenue and Vine City are two adjacent neighborhoods in Atlanta, with a total population of 4,486. The Bluff, which is located in this area, is considered one of the most dangerous places to live in Atlanta. Although efforts have been made to revitalize this area, it still has a high rate of violent crime of 2,126 per 100,000 individuals, along with a property crime rate of 15,013 per 100,000 people. Additionally, nearly half of the families living in this area have an income below the poverty level.
3. Adair Park
Adair Park is another Atlanta neighborhood with a reputation for being dangerous. It has a population of 1,479, and its violent crime rate is 2,024 per 100,000 residents, which is 138% higher than the city average. Property crime, including home invasions, car theft, and personal theft, is also prevalent in the area. In general, residents have a 1 in 36 chance of experiencing any type of crime in this neighborhood.
4. Oakland City
Situated in the southwestern part of Atlanta, Oakland City is considered the most dangerous neighborhood in the city. Out of its population of 6,350, Oakland City has a violent crime rate of 1,246 per 100,000 people, which is 29% higher than the national average, making it a high-risk area for residents. The neighborhood struggles with issues related to poverty, with an average income of $22,857. Oakland City is located along the Atlanta Beltline and shares borders with other dangerous neighborhoods such as West and Adair Park.
5. Lakewood Heights
Lakewood Heights, situated in the southeastern part of Atlanta, is considered one of the most perilous places to reside. It has a violent crime rate of 994 per 100,000 people, which makes it a high-risk area in Atlanta. Violent crime, including gunfire, remains a persistent issue in this neighborhood. However, Lakewood Heights is home to numerous television and film production studios in Atlanta, including the EUE/Screen Gems soundstage, which was opened there in 2010.
6. Center Hill
Center Hill is a neighborhood located near central Atlanta, with a population of 5,471. It has a violent crime rate of 1,048 and a property crime rate of 3,720 per 100,000 people. While gun violence is not uncommon in Center Hill, other types of violent crimes, such as assaults, are also prevalent. Property crimes such as home invasions and car thefts are the most common. Center Hill is classified as a low-income neighborhood, with limited access to basic amenities and employment opportunities. Crime in this area is 21% higher than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 36 chance of experiencing any type of crime.
7. West End
West End, one of Atlanta’s most historic neighborhoods and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is also considered one of the most dangerous places to live in Atlanta. Its violent crime rate is 22% higher than the national average, and the property crime rate is 54% higher than the national average. Despite these alarming statistics, the neighborhood is undergoing revitalization efforts and gentrification in certain areas.
8. Adamsville
Adamsville, situated on the West side of Atlanta, is a neighborhood with a population of 7,789 and a high violent crime rate of 859 per 100,000 people. It is considered a low-income area, with an average income of $21,000, and residents often feel unsafe due to the prevalence of shootings and other violent crimes. Complaints from residents suggest that crime tends to congregate around certain properties, such as gas stations, where drug overdoses are also common. Additionally, crimes such as robberies, prostitution, and open drug sales are frequently reported in the area, but some feel that police do not adequately patrol these areas.
9. Grove Park
Grove Park, located in Northwest Atlanta, is another one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods in Atlanta. With a violent crime rate of 829 per 100,000 people, the crime rate is 21% higher than the national average. Property crime is also prevalent in this area, with burglaries, car thefts, and personal theft being common occurrences. Despite being a transitioning neighborhood, many of its residents still struggle to make ends meet, with an average household income of $28,000 per year, placing them below the poverty line.
10. Adams Park
Adams Park, situated in the Southwest of Atlanta, is another neighborhood that is deemed dangerous. The neighborhood has a population of 3,146, and a violent crime rate of 623 per 100,000 people. While the average income of households in Adams Park is relatively higher than in other dangerous neighborhoods, standing at $50,000, the crime rate remains an issue. Common crimes in this area include assaults, thefts, and burglaries. Despite efforts to gentrify certain areas, there are still areas in Adams Park with high crime rates.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Atlanta Bottom Line
As Atlanta continues to evolve and expand, there remain several areas that have high crime rates. Most of these high-crime areas are located in the Southwest and are associated with gang activity and drug trafficking, which contribute to elevated violent crime rates. Although many of these neighborhoods are undergoing a period of transition, criminal elements are still present, though they are gradually decreasing. If you intend to visit or move to Atlanta, it is important to exercise caution and remain aware of your surroundings.
