DeKalb County Crime & Safety

DeKalb County, Georgia

Safety Score

1/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

6862.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

1278.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

5584.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

1/100

Higher = safer

State avg 49/100

State Safety Rank

#158

of 159 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in DeKalb County, Georgia

DeKalb faces significant safety challenges

DeKalb County’s safety score of 89.2 reflects a total crime rate of 6862.5 per 100K, nearly triple the national average. This high volume of activity is typical of densely populated urban hubs.

A high-activity zone in Georgia

The county's crime rate of 6862.5 per 100K is more than four times the Georgia state average of 1412.9. Its safety score of 89.2 ranks it as one of the more active areas in the state.

Dense urban crime trends compared

Compared to suburban neighbors, DeKalb's 20 reporting agencies track a much higher volume of incidents. This data highlights the complex safety needs of a major metropolitan county.

Violent and property crime breakdown

Property crime is very high at 5584.4 per 100K, while the violent crime rate of 1278.1 also sits well above state averages. These numbers indicate that property-related offenses dominate the local landscape.

Essential security for urban residents

In a high-activity area like DeKalb, comprehensive security systems with 24/7 monitoring are highly recommended. Strengthening entry points and using smart lighting can significantly reduce your risk.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in DeKalb County, GA?

DeKalb County has a total crime rate of 6862.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (1278.1 per 100K) and property crimes (5584.4 per 100K).

Is DeKalb County, GA safe?

DeKalb County has a safety score of 1/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #158 out of 159 counties in Georgia for safety (1 = safest).

How does DeKalb County crime compare to the Georgia average?

The county's crime rate of 6862.5 per 100K is more than four times the Georgia state average of 1412.9. Its safety score of 89.2 ranks it as one of the more active areas in the state.

What types of crime are most common in DeKalb County?

How is crime data measured and reported for DeKalb County?

Crime data for DeKalb 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 DeKalb County?

DeKalb County has a safety score of 1/100, 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.