| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Fitzgerald/100k people | Georgia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 460 | n/a (estimate) | 5,134 | 2,058 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 11.2 | 8.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 44.6 | 36.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 22.3 | 43.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 95 | n/a | 1,060.3 | 278.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 102 | n/a (estimate) | 1,138 | 367 | 370 |
| Burglary | 39 | n/a | 435.3 | 217.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 291 | n/a | 3,247.8 | 1,266.5 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 28 | n/a | 312.5 | 206.5 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 358 | n/a (estimate) | 3,996 | 1,691 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Fitzgerald is 120.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 102 violent crimes reported in Fitzgerald, equivalent to 1138 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 207.8%. Additionally, Fitzgerald recorded 358 property crimes, amounting to 3996 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 104.4%.
Having a crime rate of 5134 per 100,000 residents, Fitzgerald experiences a crime rate that is 120.89% 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, Fitzgerald 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.
Fitzgerald ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1138 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Fitzgerald stand at 1 in every 88 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Fitzgerald ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Fitzgerald, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.
With a property crime rate of 3996 crimes per 100,000 people, Fitzgerald unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Fitzgerald is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 26, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Fitzgerald residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 15 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 47% of Fitzgerald 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, 53% 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 Fitzgerald 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. Fitzgerald has a total crime rate that is 121% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.26 daily crimes (0.28 violent daily crimes and 0.98 daily property crimes) in Fitzgerald.
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 Fitzgerald 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 Fitzgerald has increased by 5.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 27.5% and property crime has increased by 0.6%.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Fitzgerald, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Fitzgerald has a median home price of $85,900, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Fitzgerald, the average monthly rent stands at $651, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Fitzgerald | Georgia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 36 | 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 |
| Ocilla, GA | 3,668 | 565 | 1,696 | 2,262 |
| Ambrose, GA | 258 | 573 | 2,642 | 3,215 |
| Rebecca, GA | 278 | 593 | 2,733 | 3,326 |
| Fitzgerald, GA | 8,747 | 1,138 | 3,996 | 5,134 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Riverside, IL | 8,748 | 101 | 591 | 691 |
| Marathon, FL | 8,746 | 91 | 553 | 644 |
| Hanover, NH | 8,744 | 85 | 518 | 603 |
| Pulaski, VA | 8,744 | 335 | 3,466 | 3,801 |
| Ridgefield, WA | 8,751 | 104 | 1,141 | 1,244 |
| Fitzgerald, GA | 8,747 | 1,138 | 3,996 | 5,134 |
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