Georgia boasts numerous attractions, including stunning landscapes, picturesque beaches, and historic towns. However, it also harbors cities known for their elevated crime levels.
Based on the most recent FBI statistics, College Park, a suburb of Atlanta and home to the world’s busiest airport, holds the dubious distinction of being the most dangerous city in Georgia. Below are some key facts and figures about College Park and the reasons behind its designation as the city with the highest crime rate in the state.
Violent Crime in College Park
College Park, Georgia, has the highest rate of violent crime in the state, standing at 19.48 incidents per 1,000 residents. This means that roughly one out of every 51 people in College Park faces a risk of falling victim to crimes like murder, rape, robbery, or assault.
In comparison, the national average for violent crime is 3.94 incidents per 1,000 residents, making College Park nearly five times more violent than the typical U.S. city.
The murder rate in College Park is particularly concerning, ranking as the highest in the state and 46th highest in the entire country. In 2020, there were 26 recorded murders in College Park, resulting in a rate of 1.02 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Comparatively, the national average for murder is 0.07 incidents per 1,000 residents, indicating that College Park is 14 times more likely to experience a homicide than the average U.S. city.
Read More:Â This Arizona City Has Been Named the Highest Crime Rate in the State
Property Crime in College Park
The property crime rate in College Park is 50.98 per 1,000 residents, indicating that one out of every 20 people in College Park has a chance of being a victim of a property crime.
Compared to the national average for property crime, which is 17.49 per 1,000 residents, College Park is nearly three times more susceptible to property crimes than the typical U.S. city.
The most prevalent type of property crime in College Park is theft, accounting for 78% of all property crimes in the city. In 2020, there were 2,043 thefts in College Park, resulting in a theft rate of 39.88 per 1,000 residents.
In contrast, the national average for theft is 13.22 per 1,000 residents. This means that College Park is three times more likely to experience a theft than the average U.S. city.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Midwest City, Oklahoma
Why is College Park So Dangerous?
There are several factors contributing to the high crime rate in College Park, including poverty, unemployment, education, and demographics.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau, College Park has a poverty rate of 28.9%, which is more than twice the state average of 13.3% and the national average of 10.5%. Poverty is often linked to crime, as individuals facing economic hardship may turn to illegal activities for survival or to cope.
Furthermore, College Park experiences a high unemployment rate of 9.6%, surpassing both the state average of 5.1% and the national average of 5.8%. Unemployment can lead to frustration, stress, and a sense of hopelessness, thereby increasing the likelihood of criminal activity.
Additionally, educational attainment in College Park is relatively low, with only 18.5% of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is in contrast to the state average of 31.1% and the national average of 33.1%. Education equips individuals with skills, knowledge, and opportunities that can decrease their involvement in criminal behavior.
Demographics also play a role in influencing the crime rate in College Park. The city is predominantly African American, with 81.4% of the population identifying as black or African American. This differs significantly from the state average of 31.6% and the national average of 13.4%.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Rochester City, New York
How to Stay Safe in College Park?
In College Park, even with the high crime rate, there are ways to stay safe and lower the risk of becoming a victim. Here are some tips and suggestions:
- Stay vigilant of your surroundings and avoid walking alone, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas.
- Always lock your doors and windows, and secure your belongings before leaving your home or car.
- If you observe any suspicious or criminal activity, report it to the police and cooperate with law enforcement.
- Consider joining or starting a neighborhood watch group to connect with your neighbors and build a stronger community.
- Seek assistance from local organizations and agencies that offer social services like counseling, education, employment, and housing.
- Show support for crime prevention and intervention programs that work towards reducing violence and enhancing the overall quality of life in College Park.
Read More:Â This City Has Been Named the Worst City to Live in Ohio
Conclusion
College Park, a city known for having the world’s busiest airport, also grapples with a significant crime problem, earning it the title of the most dangerous city in Georgia.
The elevated crime levels in College Park are influenced by a variety of factors, including poverty, unemployment, education, and demographics.
However, there are measures one can take to enhance safety and deter crime, such as staying vigilant, securing your property, reporting incidents, and supporting crime prevention initiatives.
College Park is a city that requires increased attention and resources to effectively address its crime challenges and enhance its overall safety and quality of life.
