Chatham County Crime & Safety

Chatham County, Georgia

Safety Score

17/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2243.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

402.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1840.6

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

17/100

Higher = safer

State avg 49/100

State Safety Rank

#138

of 159 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Chatham County, Georgia

Chatham County’s Crime Below National Levels

Chatham County maintains a total crime rate of 2,243.3 per 100,000 residents, which sits below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 96.5 out of 100, reflecting its status as a high-activity coastal area.

Safety Trails the Georgia State Average

Chatham's safety score of 96.5 is lower than the Georgia state average of 97.8. Local law enforcement manages a higher volume of incidents than many of its rural counterparts across the state.

High Activity Compared to Rural Neighbors

With a total crime rate of 2,243.3, Chatham sees significantly more activity than the Georgia state average of 1,412.9. Its density and tourism industry contribute to higher reported numbers than surrounding quiet counties.

Property Crimes Lead Local Statistics

Property crimes account for 1,840.6 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate stands at 402.7. While property crime is lower than the national average, the violent crime rate slightly exceeds the national mark of 369.8.

Prioritize Security Systems in Chatham

Residents should focus on home security to deter property theft, which is the most frequent crime type in the county. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting and smart locks provide essential protection for coastal homes.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Chatham County. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Chatham County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Chatham County, GA?

Chatham County has a total crime rate of 2243.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (402.7 per 100K) and property crimes (1840.6 per 100K).

Is Chatham County, GA safe?

Chatham County has a safety score of 17/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #138 out of 159 counties in Georgia for safety (1 = safest).

How does Chatham County crime compare to the Georgia average?

Chatham's safety score of 96.5 is lower than the Georgia state average of 97.8. Local law enforcement manages a higher volume of incidents than many of its rural counterparts across the state.

What types of crime are most common in Chatham County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Chatham County?

Crime data for Chatham County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Chatham County?

Chatham County has a safety score of 17/100, which is below the Georgia average of 49/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.