Welcome to Georgia! Known as the Peach State, Georgia is the country’s leading producer of peaches, peanuts and pecans. In addition to these delicious crops, Georgia is known for its southern charm and diverse geography, from the Georgia Mountains to the Okefenokee Swamp. Ready to take advantage of all Georgia has to offer? Take a look at our list of the 10 safest cities to help inform your choice. You can also check out the best cities in Georgia for retirees!
1. Grovetown
Solid safety with a growing population and economy
Crime Rate Comparison: 85th percentile for safety (safer than 85% of cities)
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 13.96, Violent: 1.688, Property: 8.586
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $754/$232
Incorporated in 1881, Grovetown is the largest city in Columbia County, with a population approaching 20,000 residents. With a low crime rate and a motto of “A Community That Cares,” Grovetown is a welcoming, safe city to call home. Need added enticement? The median home value is around $226,000, making this city one of the more affordable spots.
2. Jefferson
Small-town calm with low overall crime
Crime Rate Comparison: 84th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 14.19, Violent: 1.734, Property: 7.338
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $877/$280
Named after President Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson is the county seat of Jackson County. One of this small town’s highlights is the Crawford W. Long Museum, which honors the physician who first used ether for surgical anesthesia in 1842. Jefferson has a low cost of living compared to the U.S. average, and house prices average in the mid $300,000s.
3. Holly Springs
Holly Springs delivers dependable safety in a historic setting.
Crime Rate Comparison: 79th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 15.66, Violent: 1.750, Property: 6.943
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $815/$278
Named after the holly trees planted at its original site, Holly Springs is one of the safest towns around. Located in Cherokee County north of Atlanta, Holly Springs is well known for its historic train depot, which was built in the late 1800s. Interested in settling down here? With house prices currently averaging in the mid $400s, now is a great time to make this safe city your home.
4. Peachtree City
Low crime in a planned, walkable community
Crime Rate Comparison: 69th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 18.27, Violent: 2.016, Property: 10.52
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $762/$285
The largest city in Fayette County is Peachtree City, named after the famous Georgia peaches. Since its founding in 1959, this master planned community has bloomed to life, with more than 40,000 residents calling it home. Given that Peachtree City was founded on old farmlands, there’s plenty of nature parks, lakes and golf courses to explore on the weekends. Find the median value of homes to be in the mid to upper $400s.
5. Milton
Low crime rate for the state and nation
Crime Rate Comparison: 61st percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 20.52, Violent: 2.458, Property: 7.425
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,271/$452
Located in Fulton County, Milton is a fairly new Atlanta suburb, having been incorporated in 2006. Although new, the city is anything but small, with just over 40,000 residents calling it home. One of the most affluent cities in Georgia, Milton has a median household of more than $150,000. The community boasts plenty of parks and cycling paths that are perfect for family outings. The median home value falls in the low $700s.
6. Tyrone
Very little violent crime, moderate property theft
Crime Rate Comparison: 57th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 21.93, Violent: 1.984, Property: 14.87
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $808/$302
Located south of Atlanta, Tyrone is all about community pride. The town hosts a weeklong Founders Day celebration full of entertainment for the whole family each fall. If you’re ready to call this town your home, house prices average around $437,000.
7. Alpharetta
Safer than average, though slightly higher property crime
Crime Rate Comparison: 46th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 25.26, Violent: 2.655, Property: 9.184
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,406/$516
Alpharetta has grown from a small trading post town in 1858 to a bustling city with a population of more than 67,000 residents. Positioned between the Georgia Mountains and Atlanta, Alpharetta is a gateway to both urban and natural delights. Prefer to stay in town? Check out the local breweries. For those interested in moving here, the median home value is $605,700.
8. Braselton
Violent crime nearly non-existent; low property crime
Crime Rate Comparison: 38th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 28.20, Violent: 1.933, Property: 20.94
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $996/$341
Braselton is situated across four counties northeast of the Atlanta metropolitan area, Braselton was first settled in 1884 and incorporated in 1916. It’s home to under 20,000 residents. The nearby Château Élan, a sprawling resort and winery in the Georgian foothills, offers fine dining, golf, wine tastings and more. Median home value is $425,900.
9. Glennville
Consistently low crime in a rural, small-town setting
Crime Rate Comparison: 38th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 28.23, Violent: 3.367, Property: 18.24
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,098/$438
Glennville is a city located in the southern part of Tattnall County. Glennville dates back to the the1800s, with official city incorporation in 1905. The town is a pioneer in the cricket farming industry, led by Armstrong Crickets, which in 1947 became the first commercial cricket grower in the United States. House values in Glennville average around $179,000 offering affordability.
10. Johns Creek
One of Georgia’s safest large cities
Crime Rate Comparison: 21st percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 37.10, Violent: 4.213, Property: 11.91
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $2,137/$733
With a population of more than 81,000, Johns Creek is found in Fulton County and was officially incorporated in 2006. It is an affluent town with multiple parks and golf courses, including nature preserves. Housing is a little on the pricey side, with median home values of $583,700.
Georgia’s safest cities offer more than low crime—they bring stability, affordability, and community value. If peace of mind ranks high, these 10 should lead your search.
The "Safest Cities" series evaluates and ranks the safest cities in each U.S. state using crime data from the FBI and state databases. Our analysis considers population size, violent and nonviolent crime rates, the most common crime, and comparisons to national and state averages. Violent crimes include homicide, assault, robbery, and sexual assault, while nonviolent crimes encompass burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offenses. Each city’s safety score is weighted, emphasizing violent crimes. Data inconsistencies and reporting variations are acknowledged as limitations. This analysis aims to help individuals and families make informed decisions about where to live.
Other Georgia Resources
Best Suburbs Surrounding Macon, Georgia
Your complete guide to moving to Athens, GA
Your complete guide to moving to Macon, Georgia
Best Suburbs Surrounding Savannah, Georgia
Best Suburbs Surrounding Augusta, Georgia
Moving to Augusta? Read Our Relocation Guide
10 Best State Parks in Georgia
The Best Places to Live in Georgia
How to Build a House in Georgia
10 Most Affordable Cities in Georgia
Everything You Need to Know About Closing Costs in Georgia
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Georgia
Best Master Planned Communities Near Atlanta
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Georgia
Best Tiny Home Builders in Georgia
Best Suburbs Near Atlanta, Georgia
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.