What is Atlanta’s Crime Rate?
Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, is a city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and thriving economy. However, like many other major cities in the United States, Atlanta also struggles with a significant crime problem. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Atlanta’s overall crime rate has been steadily increasing over the past few years.
Understanding Crime Rates
Before we dive into the specifics of Atlanta’s crime rate, it’s essential to understand how crime rates are measured. The FBI’s UCR Program collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies across the United States. The program calculates crime rates by dividing the number of reported crimes by the population of the city or county.
Atlanta’s Crime Rate: The Numbers
According to the FBI’s 2020 UCR Report, Atlanta’s overall crime rate is 5,535.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. This is higher than the national average of 3,450.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. Breaking down the numbers, Atlanta’s crime rate is comprised of the following categories:
| Crime Category | Number of Crimes | Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants |
|---|---|---|
| Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter | 117 | 44.2 |
| Rape | 744 | 277.3 |
| Robbery | 2,446 | 919.4 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2,513 | 955.6 |
| Burglary | 5,144 | 1,945.8 |
| Larceny-Theft | 26,514 | 10,032.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2,341 | 884.5 |
Trends and Hotspots
Atlanta’s crime rate has been trending upward over the past few years. In 2018, the city saw a 10.5% increase in reported crimes, followed by a 12.2% increase in 2019. The city’s southern and western neighborhoods, such as Atlanta’s BeltLine and the Westside, have been particularly affected by crime.
The Most Common Crimes in Atlanta
According to the Atlanta Police Department’s 2020 Crime Data Report, the most common crimes in Atlanta are:
- Larceny-theft (34.1% of all reported crimes)
- Burglary (15.2% of all reported crimes)
- Robbery (12.1% of all reported crimes)
- Aggravated assault (10.4% of all reported crimes)
- Motor vehicle theft (6.3% of all reported crimes)
Crime Prevention Strategies
To combat the rising crime rate, the Atlanta Police Department has implemented several crime prevention strategies, including:
- Community policing: The department has increased its presence in high-crime areas through community policing initiatives.
- Crime mapping: The department uses crime mapping technology to identify and respond to crime patterns.
- Gun violence reduction: The department has implemented programs to reduce gun violence, including increased patrols in high-crime areas and targeted enforcement efforts.
- Neighborhood watch programs: The department encourages neighborhood watch programs to empower citizens to take an active role in crime prevention.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s crime rate is a pressing concern for the city’s residents and law enforcement agencies. While the city’s overall crime rate has been trending upward, the Atlanta Police Department is working to combat crime through community policing, crime mapping, gun violence reduction, and neighborhood watch programs. By understanding the city’s crime rate and trends, residents can take steps to protect themselves and their communities.
