Richmond County, situated in the east-central part of Georgia, has a population of approximately 202,000 residents. This county encompasses the city of Augusta, which serves as the county seat and ranks as the second-largest city in the state.
Richmond County boasts a diverse economy, a rich cultural scene, and numerous attractions including the Augusta National Golf Club, the Augusta Museum of History, and the Riverwalk. Nevertheless, there are certain neighborhoods within Richmond County characterized by elevated crime rates and societal challenges.
These issues detract from their safety and desirability for both residents and visitors. Here, we highlight five of the most hazardous neighborhoods in Richmond County, identified through data provided by Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout.
5. Harrisburg
Harrisburg, situated in Augusta, is a neighborhood with roughly 2,400 residents. Positioned close to downtown and the Savannah River, it boasts a diverse population, including a significant African American community.
The median household income in Harrisburg is notably low, standing at $20,000, which falls beneath the city’s average of $38,000. This neighborhood also grapples with a considerable poverty rate of 44%, surpassing the city’s average of 15%. Unfortunately, Harrisburg faces a notable crime issue, particularly regarding property-related offenses such as burglary and theft.
Based on assessments by Crime Grade, Harrisburg receives a failing grade (F) for both overall crime and property crime. The crime rate within Harrisburg translates to 229 incidents per 1,000 residents, a figure higher than that of 90% of counties across the United States. Notably, the rate of property crime stands at 211 per 1,000 residents, a number exceeding that of 98% of counties in the nation.
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4. Laney Walker
Laney Walker constitutes a district within Augusta, with approximately 3,600 residents. Situated in close proximity to downtown Augusta and Paine College, this neighborhood is predominantly inhabited by African Americans. The median annual household income in Laney Walker stands at a modest $18,000, falling below the city’s average income of $38,000.
The poverty rate in Laney Walker is notably high at 49%, surpassing the city’s average rate of 15%. Regrettably, Laney Walker faces a notable crime issue, particularly concerning violent offenses like assaults and robberies.
According to data from Neighborhood Scout, Laney Walker receives a failing grade (F) in both the overall crime and violent crime categories. The incidence of crime in Laney Walker registers at 278 cases per 1,000 residents, a figure exceeding that of 94% of neighborhoods across the United States. Similarly, the rate of violent crime, at 9 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpasses that of 98% of neighborhoods in the US.
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3. Old Savannah
Old Savannah is a district situated within Augusta, housing around 4,200 residents. Its proximity to downtown and Lake Olmstead is noteworthy, and its population is a blend that includes a substantial Hispanic community.
The neighborhood’s median household income is relatively low at $24,000, falling below the city’s average income of $38,000. Moreover, Old Savannah faces a significant poverty rate of 34%, surpassing the city’s average of 15%.
Regrettably, Old Savannah struggles with elevated crime rates, particularly in relation to property crimes such as motor vehicle theft and arson. As per Crime Grade assessments, Old Savannah garners an F grade when it comes to overall crime and property crime.
The locale experiences a crime rate of 240 incidents per 1,000 residents, a statistic that positions it higher than 92% of counties across the United States. The property crime rate stands at 224 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing figures from 99% of counties nationwide.
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2. Bethlehem
Bethlehem, situated in Augusta, is a district with approximately 5,800 residents. It’s closely positioned near downtown Augusta University and is primarily inhabited by African Americans. The median household income here is notably low, at $17,000, falling below the city’s average of $38,000. This community also grapples with a significantly high poverty rate of 64%, surpassing the city’s average of 15%.
Regrettably, Bethlehem experiences elevated levels of criminal activity, particularly in relation to violent offenses like homicide and sexual assault. According to Neighborhood Scout, Bethlehem scores an “F” in overall crime and violent crime assessment.
The crime rate in this area stands at 270 incidents per 1,000 residents, exceeding that of 94% of neighborhoods across the United States. The rate of violent crime, at 8 incidents per 1,000 residents, is higher than that of 98% of neighborhoods in the country.
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1. East Augusta
East Augusta stands out as the most perilous locality in Richmond County, boasting a populace of approximately 6,000 individuals. Situated in close proximity to downtown and the Savannah River, this area displays a diverse demographic makeup, including a substantial Asian community.
What sets East Augusta apart is its remarkably low median household income, resting at a mere $19,000. This figure falls well below the citywide average of $38,000.
Moreover, East Augusta grapples with a notably elevated poverty rate, reaching 48%, a stark contrast to the city’s average rate of 15%. The neighborhood also holds the unenviable distinction of having the highest crime rate within Richmond County.
This is particularly evident in property-related offenses, such as motor vehicle theft and arson. As per assessments by Crime Grade, East Augusta garners an unfortunate “F” grade in both overall crime and property crime evaluations.
The statistics further underscore the area’s safety challenges. The crime rate in East Augusta stands at 321.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, ranking higher than 98% of counties across the United States. Similarly, the property crime rate of 224 incidents per 1,000 residents places East Augusta in the upper echelons, surpassing 99% of counties nationwide.
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Conclusion
Richmond County, situated in the eastern-central part of the state, presents numerous opportunities and attractions for both its residents and visitors. Nevertheless, certain neighborhoods within it struggle with elevated crime rates and social issues, which diminish their appeal as secure and desirable places to reside or explore.
These five localities stand out as the most hazardous in Richmond County, as indicated by data from Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout.
Characterized by lower median household incomes, heightened poverty levels, and crime rates surpassing both national and county averages, they also exhibit limited educational achievements and lack amenities that could otherwise alleviate their social and economic difficulties.
Individuals who prioritize their safety and well-being should exercise caution or even avoid these neighborhoods altogether.
