| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ellijay/100k people | Georgia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 1,466 | 2,001 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 32.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 40.8 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 151.7 | 245.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 152 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 101.1 | 202.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 22 | n/a | 1,112.2 | 1,247.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 101.1 | 224.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 1,314 | 1,675 | 1,760 |

The Ellijay crime rates are 30.8% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 3 violent crimes in Ellijay (152 per 100,000 people), which is 57.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 26 property crimes (1314 per 100,000 residents) which is 25.3% lower than average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Ellijay reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Ellijay residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 30 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 70% of Ellijay 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, 30% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Ellijay is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Ellijay has a total crime rate that is 31% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.08 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.07 daily property crimes) in Ellijay.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ellijay. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ellijay has increased by 7.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 25%, while property crimes have increased by 13%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Ellijay currently has an unemployment rate of 2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
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 Ellijay crime rates. For instance, in Ellijay, the population density stands at 588.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Ellijay, there are 6.72 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Ellijay | Georgia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 11,364 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 6.7 | 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 |
| Blue Ridge, GA | 1,199 | 120 | 616 | 736 |
| Flat Top Mountain, TN | 921 | 239 | 821 | 1,060 |
| East Ellijay, GA | 724 | 278 | 2,112 | 2,390 |
| Morganton, GA | 304 | 455 | 2,337 | 2,792 |
| Ellijay, GA | 2,086 | 152 | 1,314 | 1,466 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| St. Bonaventure, NY | 2,086 | 227 | 1,026 | 1,253 |
| Madison Center, CT | 2,087 | 21 | 214 | 236 |
| Princeville, NC | 2,087 | 219 | 1,145 | 1,364 |
| Blountsville, AL | 2,085 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Woodville, OH | 2,087 | 99 | 521 | 620 |
| Ellijay, GA | 2,086 | 152 | 1,314 | 1,466 |