Muscogee County, situated in the west-central part of Georgia, houses approximately 202,000 residents. Within this county lies the city of Columbus, holding the titles of both county seats and the largest urban center in the Chattahoochee Valley area.
The region boasts a rich blend of economy and culture, accompanied by noteworthy attractions including the National Infantry Museum, the Columbus Riverwalk, and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
Nonetheless, Muscogee County also harbors a few neighborhoods characterized by elevated crime rates and social challenges, rendering them less secure and appealing for habitation or exploration. Presented below are five of Muscogee County’s most perilous neighborhoods, identified through information sourced from Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout.
5. Harrisburg
Harrisburg, situated in Columbus, is a neighborhood with approximately 2,400 residents. Positioned close to downtown and the Savannah River, it boasts a diverse populace, including a significant African American community.
The median household income in Harrisburg is notably low at $20,000, falling below the city’s average of $38,000. Additionally, the poverty rate in Harrisburg is strikingly high, reaching 44%, surpassing the city’s average of 15%. Crime is a concern in this area, particularly property-related offenses like burglary and theft.
According to Crime Grade, Harrisburg receives an F grade for both overall crime and property crime. The crime rate in Harrisburg stands at 229 incidents per 1,000 residents, a figure higher than that of 90% of counties across the United States. Specifically concerning property crime, the rate is 211 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is higher than that of 98% of counties nationwide.
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4. Laney Walker
Laney Walker stands as a Columbus neighborhood, inhabited by roughly 3,600 residents. Situated close to downtown and Paine College, this area predominantly comprises African American inhabitants.
The median household income in Laney Walker is notably low, measuring at $18,000, which falls beneath the city’s average of $38,000. This neighborhood also contends with a significant poverty rate of 49%, surpassing the city average of 15%.
Regrettably, Laney Walker faces a substantial crime issue, particularly concerning violent offenses like assault and robbery. According to data from Neighborhood Scout, Laney Walker receives a failing grade (F) for its overall crime and violent crime rates.
The crime rate in this area reaches 278 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing a substantial 94% of neighborhoods across the United States. Additionally, the violent crime rate stands at 9 incidents per 1,000 residents, exceeding a notable 98% of neighborhoods in the US.
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3. Old Savannah
Old Savannah is a Columbus neighborhood with approximately 4,200 residents. Positioned close to downtown and Lake Olmstead, it boasts a diverse population, including a sizable Hispanic community. In terms of economics, Old Savannah has a median household income of $24,000, falling below the city’s average of $38,000. Poverty is prevalent here, with a rate of 34%, surpassing the city’s average of 15%.
Unfortunately, crime is a concern in Old Savannah, particularly property-related offenses like motor vehicle theft and arson. Crime Grade assesses the neighborhood with an F grade for overall and property-related crimes.
The crime rate in Old Savannah stands at 240 per 1,000 residents, a figure higher than 92% of counties across the US. Specifically, the property crime rate is 224 per 1,000 residents, surpassing 99% of counties nationwide.
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2. Bethlehem
Bethlehem, situated in Columbus, is home to approximately 5,800 residents. It is in close proximity to downtown and Augusta University, and its population is mainly African American.
The median household income in Bethlehem is notably low, at $17,000, which falls below the city’s average of $38,000. Moreover, Bethlehem struggles with a high poverty rate of 64%, surpassing the city’s average of 15%.
Regrettably, Bethlehem faces significant challenges in terms of crime. The crime rate, particularly for violent offenses like murder and rape, is alarmingly high. According to Neighborhood Scout, Bethlehem receives an F grade for both overall crime and violent crime.
The overall crime rate stands at 270 per 1,000 residents, ranking higher than 94% of neighborhoods across the United States. Similarly, the violent crime rate is 8 per 1,000 residents, surpassing 98% of neighborhoods in the country.
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1. East Augusta
East Augusta stands out as the most perilous locality within Muscogee County, housing approximately 6,000 residents. Positioned in close proximity to downtown and the Savannah River, this area boasts a diverse populace that includes a sizable Asian community.
However, East Augusta grapples with economic challenges, as indicated by its notably meager median household income of $19,000 – well beneath the city’s average of $38,000. The extent of poverty here is also strikingly high, with a rate of 48%, surpassing the city’s average of 15%.
Regrettably, East Augusta bears the unfortunate distinction of having the highest crime rate in all of Muscogee County. This is particularly evident in property-related offenses like motor vehicle theft and arson. According to Crime Grade assessments, East Augusta receives an ‘F’ grade both for overall crime and property crime.
The incidence of crime in this area reaches 321.5 per 1,000 residents, a figure exceeding that of 98% of counties across the United States. In terms of property crime, the rate stands at 224 per 1,000 residents, surpassing 99% of counties nationwide.
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Conclusion
Muscogee County, situated in the west-central part of Georgia, presents numerous opportunities and attractions for both residents and visitors. Nevertheless, certain areas within the county face elevated crime rates and social issues, rendering them less secure and appealing for habitation or tourism.
These five neighborhoods stand out as the most perilous in Muscogee County, as indicated by data from Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout. They exhibit below-average median household incomes, elevated poverty rates, and crime levels surpassing national and county norms.
Educational attainment within these neighborhoods is also low, accompanied by a scarcity of amenities that exacerbates their socio-economic predicaments. Individuals who prioritize their safety and well-being would be wise to steer clear of or exercise caution when approaching these neighborhoods.
