| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Athens/100k people | Georgia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,481 | n/a (estimate) | 2,683 | 2,001 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 3.9 | 6.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 57 | n/a | 43.9 | 32.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 53 | n/a | 40.8 | 40.8 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 412 | n/a | 317.5 | 245.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 527 | n/a (estimate) | 406 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 290 | n/a | 223.5 | 202.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,445 | n/a | 1,884.2 | 1,247.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 219 | n/a | 168.8 | 224.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,954 | n/a (estimate) | 2,276 | 1,675 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Athens crime rate is 26.6% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Athens, there were 527 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 406 per 100,000 individuals, 13.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, Athens recorded 2954 property crimes, amounting to 2276 per 100,000 residents, 29.3% higher than the U.S. average.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Athens is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Athens reported 406 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Athens residents. Out of the respondents (85 in total), 28% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Athens were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 72% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Athens a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Athens has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 27%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 9.54 daily incidents, encompassing 1.44 violent crimes and 8.09 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Athens as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Athens crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Athens has decreased by 18.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 28.4% and property crime has decreased by 16.4%.
In Athens, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.7%, 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 Athens crime rates.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Athens crime rates. For instance, in Athens, the population density stands at 1103.6 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Athens, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 0 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 | Athens | Georgia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 11,364 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Jefferson, GA | 11,916 | 36 | 457 | 493 |
| Winterville, GA | 1,795 | 81 | 416 | 497 |
| Watkinsville, GA | 3,042 | 85 | 436 | 520 |
| Statham, GA | 2,782 | 94 | 470 | 564 |
| Bogart, GA | 1,584 | 92 | 474 | 566 |
| Danielsville, GA | 867 | 0 | 706 | 706 |
| Comer, GA | 1,878 | 132 | 680 | 813 |
| Athens, GA | 128,427 | 406 | 2,276 | 2,683 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lehigh Acres, FL | 128,418 | 351 | 1,868 | 2,220 |
| Fargo, ND | 128,361 | 498 | 3,697 | 4,195 |
| Norman, OK | 127,988 | 260 | 2,267 | 2,527 |
| Berkeley, CA | 127,519 | 639 | 5,229 | 5,868 |
| Abilene, TX | 129,386 | 424 | 1,763 | 2,188 |
| Athens, GA | 128,427 | 406 | 2,276 | 2,683 |
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