| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Americus/100k people | Georgia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 868 | n/a (estimate) | 5,585 | 2,001 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 32.2 | 6.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 64.3 | 32.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 90.1 | 40.8 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 228 | n/a | 1,467.1 | 245.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 257 | n/a (estimate) | 1,654 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 95 | n/a | 611.3 | 202.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 487 | n/a | 3,133.6 | 1,247.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 29 | n/a | 186.6 | 224.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 611 | n/a (estimate) | 3,932 | 1,675 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Americus crime rate is higher than the national average by 163.6%. Specifically, there were 257 violent crimes in Americus, equivalent to 1654 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 360.5%. Furthermore, Americus recorded 611 property crimes, amounting to 3932 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 123.4%.
Having a crime rate of 5585 per 100,000 residents, Americus experiences a crime rate that is 163.55% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Americus contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
With a violent crime rate of 1654 crimes per 100,000 residents, Americus is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Americus ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 61 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Americus stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Americus, a total of 5 murders were reported, equating to 32 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
Every year, one in 26 people fall victim to a property crime in Americus - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3932 per 100,000 people, Americus has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Americus residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 25 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 52% of Americus residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 48% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Americus, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Americus presents a total crime rate that is 164% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Americus experiences an average of 2.38 daily crimes, comprising 0.7 violent incidents and 1.67 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Americus. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Americus has increased by 8.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 38.2%, while property crime has increased by 0.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Americus.
In Americus, the current unemployment rate stands at 5.3%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Americus crime rates.
Americus has a population density of 1392.6 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Americus crime rates.
In Americus, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.65 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Americus | Georgia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 45 | 11,364 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 4.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Georgia /100K | National /100K |
| Georgia | 23,117 | 275 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Leslie, GA | 621 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ellaville, GA | 1,920 | 197 | 1,311 | 1,507 |
| Plains, GA | 782 | 345 | 1,770 | 2,115 |
| Smithville, GA | 478 | 440 | 2,260 | 2,699 |
| De Soto, GA | 109 | 527 | 2,707 | 3,234 |
| Americus, GA | 15,729 | 1,654 | 3,932 | 5,585 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Grosse Pointe Woods, MI | 15,731 | 96 | 1,487 | 1,583 |
| Glenmont, MD | 15,714 | 318 | 1,553 | 1,872 |
| Berkley, MI | 15,712 | 34 | 343 | 377 |
| St. Simons, GA | 15,710 | 133 | 683 | 816 |
| Hudson, MA | 15,748 | 158 | 563 | 721 |
| Americus, GA | 15,729 | 1,654 | 3,932 | 5,585 |
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