Georgia, known for its southern charm, diverse landscapes, and bustling cities, also has areas that face significant socio-economic challenges. While many parts of the state offer vibrant communities and a high quality of life, certain cities struggle with high crime rates, unemployment, and poverty. These factors make them less desirable places to live for families and individuals seeking safety and financial stability. In this article, we explore ten of the worst places and most dangerous cities to live in Georgia. We’ve analyzed various factors such as crime statistics, poverty levels, and unemployment rates to compile this list. The cities discussed here face an uphill battle with issues ranging from economic hardships to widespread property and violent crimes, making them some of the least favorable locations in the state. If you're considering moving to Georgia or simply curious about its most troubled areas, keep reading to understand why these cities stand out for all the wrong reasons. 

Top 10 Worst Places to Live In Georgia . Top 10 Worst Cities In Georgia to Live, Raise a Family, Job or Retire. Top 10 Worst Towns in Georgia. Top 10 Worst Villages in Georgia. If you’re thinking about a move to Georgia, here are the places you should avoid to live, retire or raise a family. 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Georgia You Should Never Move To. Top 10 Worst Cities To Live In Georgia. 10 Places in Georgia You Should NEVER Move To

1. Griffin

Griffin, a small city in Spalding County, Georgia, is home to 22,724 residents. Located about 40 miles south of Atlanta, Griffin is a mix of suburban life and rural charm. However, despite its historical significance and close-knit community, Griffin faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of crime and poverty. Known for its historic downtown and as the setting for several film productions, Griffin struggles with high crime rates and economic hardship.

The poverty rate in Griffin stands at 24.3%, which is 73.57% higher than the national average, making financial difficulty a major concern for many of its residents. The typical household earns just $37,178 annually, significantly lower than the national median, leaving nearly one in four residents living below the poverty line. Additionally, more than 60.3% of households earn less than $50,000 a year, compared to 39% nationally.

Crime is another significant issue in Griffin, where the overall crime rate is 151.73% higher than the national average. Violent crime is particularly alarming, being 196.24% above the national norm. Residents have a 1 in 87 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, while property crime rates are 142.91% higher than the national average, with residents facing a 1 in 21 chance of being affected.

• Population: 22,724
• Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
• Poverty Rate: 24.3%
• Median Home Value: $116,100
• Median Household Income: $37,178
• Violent Crime: 261 incidents
• Property Crime: 1,080 incidents

2. Americus

Americus, located in Sumter County, Georgia, is a city with a rich history and a population of 15,319. Known as the home of Habitat for Humanity’s international headquarters, Americus has a legacy of volunteerism and community-building. However, despite its strong community spirit, the city faces steep economic and crime challenges.

The poverty rate in Americus is a staggering 28.2%, over double the national average, and the typical household earns just $33,405 annually. Financial hardship is a common issue, with 1 in 7 households earning less than $10,000 per year. Additionally, 66.6% of households earn less than $50,000 annually, further highlighting the city’s economic struggles. The unemployment rate is 8.1%, significantly higher than the national average.

Crime in Americus is also a significant concern. The overall crime rate is 169.02% higher than the national average, with violent crime being 178.3% above the national norm. Residents have a 1 in 95 chance of falling victim to violent crime, while property crime rates are also alarmingly high, with a 1 in 20 chance of being affected.

• Population: 15,319
• Unemployment Rate: 8.1%
• Poverty Rate: 28.2%
• Median Home Value: $93,400
• Median Household Income: $33,405
• Violent Crime: 161 incidents
• Property Crime: 780 incidents

3. Forest Park

Forest Park, located in Clayton County, Georgia, is home to 19,884 residents. Situated just 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta, the city has grown as a suburban area but faces significant challenges in both crime and economic conditions. While it’s known for its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Forest Park has a poverty rate of 21.3%, well above the national average.

The typical household in Forest Park earns $35,585 annually, which is 47.28% lower than the national median. Financial difficulties are evident, with over 65% of households earning less than $50,000 per year. The unemployment rate sits at 7.6%, further reflecting the city’s economic difficulties.

The overall crime rate in Forest Park is 127.88% higher than the national average, with violent crime 158.99% above the national norm. Residents have a 1 in 98 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, and property crime is also concerning, with a 1 in 23 chance of being targeted.

• Population: 19,884
• Unemployment Rate: 7.6%
• Poverty Rate: 21.3%
• Median Home Value: $76,800
• Median Household Income: $35,585
• Violent Crime: 203 incidents
• Property Crime: 877 incidents

4. Bainbridge

Bainbridge, located in Decatur County, Georgia, has a population of 12,200 residents. Nestled along the Flint River, Bainbridge is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities, but it faces significant economic and crime issues. The city ranks poorly in terms of income and unemployment, with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.

The poverty rate in Bainbridge is 26.2%, well above the national average. The typical household earns just $34,957 annually, which is nearly 50% lower than the national average. Furthermore, the unemployment rate stands at 9.8%, which is over double the national rate. Financial hardship affects many in Bainbridge, with more than 64.3% of households earning less than $50,000 a year.

Crime is also a major issue in Bainbridge. The overall crime rate is 91.01% higher than the national average, with violent crime 97.5% above the national norm. Residents have a 1 in 133 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, while the property crime rate is 89.72% higher than the national average, with a 1 in 27 chance of being affected.

• Population: 12,200
• Unemployment Rate: 9.8%
• Poverty Rate: 26.2%
• Median Home Value: $101,800
• Median Household Income: $34,957
• Violent Crime: 92 incidents
• Property Crime: 446 incidents

5. Vidalia

Vidalia, a small city in Toombs County, Georgia, is known for its sweet onions, but it also faces significant challenges in terms of crime and poverty. With a population of 10,380, Vidalia’s poverty rate stands at 20.9%, which is 49.29% higher than the national average. The typical household earns $44,635 annually, which is still 33.87% lower than the national median.

Financial struggles are prevalent, with more than 58.1% of households earning less than $50,000 per year. The unemployment rate is 6.9%, higher than the national average, further contributing to the economic hardship faced by many residents.

The crime rate in Vidalia is concerning, with the overall crime rate being 126.79% higher than the national average. Violent crime is 59.74% higher than the national norm, with residents having a 1 in 160 chance of being a victim. Property crime rates are also alarmingly high, with residents having a 1 in 21 chance of being affected.

• Population: 10,380
• Unemployment Rate: 6.9%
• Poverty Rate: 20.9%
• Median Home Value: $119,200
• Median Household Income: $44,635
• Violent Crime: 65 incidents
• Property Crime: 493 incidents

 

6. Cordele

Cordele, located in south-central Georgia, is known as the “Watermelon Capital of the World,” but its current socio-economic situation paints a challenging picture. The city is home to about 10,600 residents and ranks first in the state for unemployment, poverty, and median income struggles.

Cordele faces a significant poverty rate of 45.1%, more than double the national average. With the typical household earning $25,672 annually—nearly 62% lower than the national average—financial difficulties are common, as nearly half of its residents live below the poverty line. This economic instability is reflected in its high unemployment rate of 15.8%, which is nearly 236% higher than the national rate. A considerable portion of households, about 72.1%, earn less than $50,000 annually, deepening the city's financial woes.

Cordele also struggles with a high crime rate, with the overall crime rate sitting at 149.7% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is elevated by 54.6%, and residents face a 1 in 166 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Property crimes are also rampant, with the rate standing 168.6% higher than the national average, leaving residents with a 1 in 19 chance of experiencing property-related offenses.

7. Clarkston

Clarkston, a small city near Atlanta with a population of 12,747, is often referred to as the “Ellis Island of the South” due to its large immigrant population. The city, however, faces its own share of socio-economic challenges. Clarkston ranks 11th in unemployment and 7th in poverty across Georgia, with a poverty rate of 30.8%, over double the national average.

The typical household in Clarkston earns $40,105 per year, which is 40.6% below the national average. Financial hardship affects approximately one-third of the population, as many residents live below the poverty line. Nearly 61.8% of households earn less than $50,000 annually, and the unemployment rate is 9.5%, more than double the national rate.

Clarkston also sees its share of crime, with an overall crime rate 10.5% above the national average. The violent crime rate is 40.1% higher, giving residents a 1 in 185 chance of being a victim. Property crimes are slightly elevated, at 4.6% higher than the national rate, with a 1 in 49 chance of falling victim to such crimes.

8. Moultrie

Moultrie, situated in southwest Georgia, is home to about 14,086 residents and is known for its agriculture, particularly as a center for the farming of peanuts and cotton. Despite its agricultural significance, the city ranks 4th in unemployment and 3rd in median income struggles across Georgia.

The poverty rate in Moultrie stands at 27%, which is nearly 93% higher than the national average. The typical household earns $28,621 annually, about 57.6% below the national median, with 1 in 4 residents living in poverty. The unemployment rate in Moultrie is also high, standing at 12.2%, which is nearly 160% higher than the national average.

Crime rates in Moultrie are concerning as well, with the overall crime rate sitting 135.2% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 33.1% higher, with a 1 in 193 chance of being a victim. Property crimes are prevalent, with a rate that is 155.4% above the national average, giving residents a 1 in 20 chance of encountering property-related offenses.

9. Waycross

Waycross, located in southeast Georgia, has a population of 13,638 and is known for its proximity to the Okefenokee Swamp, a major natural attraction. Despite its scenic location, Waycross faces significant socio-economic challenges, ranking 4th in median income and 9th in poverty across the state.

The poverty rate in Waycross is 29.8%, more than double the national average. The typical household earns $30,367 annually, which is 55% lower than the national median income. Nearly one-third of the population lives below the poverty line, with widespread financial hardship affecting many residents. Around 72.7% of households earn less than $50,000 annually.

Waycross also struggles with high crime rates, with an overall crime rate that is 160.3% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 32.9% higher, giving residents a 1 in 192 chance of being a victim. Property crimes are even more prevalent, with a rate that is 185.6% higher than the national average, leaving residents with a 1 in 18 chance of being affected.

10. Calhoun

Calhoun, located in northwest Georgia, is a city of 17,088 residents. Known for its historical significance, including the Battle of Resaca during the Civil War, Calhoun now faces modern economic struggles. The city has a poverty rate of 27.4%, almost 96% higher than the national average.

The median household income in Calhoun is $37,342, which is 44.7% lower than the national average. Nearly 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line, while 58.3% of households earn less than $50,000 annually. Despite these economic challenges, the city’s unemployment rate is relatively low, at 3.3%, though it still lags behind the national rate.

Calhoun’s overall crime rate is 35.3% higher than the national average. Violent crime is 18.6% higher, with a 1 in 214 chance of being a victim. Property crimes are more common, with a rate that is 38.7% above the national average, and residents face a 1 in 36 chance of experiencing property-related offenses.