Choosing a city where safety is a priority means giving your family peace of mind, a strong sense of community, and access to top-rated schools. The safest cities in Georgia, including Johns Creek, Milton, and Peachtree City, continue to maintain low crime rates through proactive policing, neighborhood watch programs, and engaged residents.
As Georgia continues to see declining crime rates, families have more options than ever to settle in communities that value security. Whether you prefer the suburban charm of Milton, the lakeside appeal of Acworth, or the small-town feel of Grovetown, these cities offer a safe and supportive environment for families.
If you’re planning a move in 2025, these cities provide the best combination of low crime, great schools, and a welcoming atmosphere—the perfect place to put down roots and build a future.
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Key Takeaways
- Georgia’s violent crime rate fell by 5.2% in 2024, making it safer for families.
- Johns Creek, Milton, and Peachtree City rank among the safest cities in Georgia.
- Property crime in Georgia decreased by 4.1%, improving security across suburbs.
- Many of Georgia’s safest cities also have top-rated schools and family-friendly amenities.
- Smart home security, community engagement, and local safety initiatives contribute to these cities’ security.
- Georgia’s safest cities offer a balance of affordability, safety, and strong community ties.
10 Safest Cities in Georgia for 2025
Georgia is a big enough state to host over 10 million inhabitants, but there’s still room for more. If you’re looking to relocate to the tranquil Southern charm of Georgia, we’ve rounded up a list of the ten cities that keep you and your family’s safety a priority.
John Creek
Johns Creek, Georgia, located in Fulton County, is a city that offers a blend of safety, education, and economic prosperity. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of approximately 76,728, making it a thriving community.
Education is a cornerstone in Johns Creek. The city is home to seven public schools, all part of the Fulton County School System, and several private institutions. These educational establishments consistently receive high ratings, emphasizing the city’s commitment to fostering academic excellence.
Safety is another strong suit for Johns Creek. In 2017, it earned the distinction of being the 2nd safest city in Georgia. This recognition, combined with the city’s numerous parks, recreational areas, and community events, makes it an ideal place for families seeking a secure and engaging environment.
Economically, Johns Creek stands out with a median household income that is significantly higher than the national average. This economic prosperity further enhances the city’s appeal. In fact, in 2019, USA Today ranked Johns Creek as the 3rd best city to live in the United States. Such accolades underscore the city’s dedication to ensuring a high quality of life for its residents.
If you’re looking for a place where you can stroll down idyllic streets and say a friendly hello to neighbors you know by name, John Creek is the place to be.
This up-and-coming city is barely over a half hour’s drive from Atlanta and boasts a thriving and diverse community, plus 80% lower violent crime than most of Georgia.
Milton
Nestled in the greenery of Fulton County, Milton lies only 30 miles outside of Atlanta. It might be a small city, but its thriving tight-knit community and high ranking as a safe city in Georgia have brought families to the tranquil family-friendly environment. The crime rate is lower than in surrounding areas, and with outdoor activities, great schools, and a welcoming community, Milton has everything you could wish for.
Education plays a pivotal role in the community. Milton is served by the Fulton County Schools system, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. Some of the notable schools in the city are Birmingham Falls Elementary School, Cogburn Woods Elementary School, Hopewell Middle School, and Milton High School, among others.
Economically, Milton stands as one of the wealthiest cities in Georgia. The median household income in the city is a remarkable $128,559. Furthermore, between 2015 and 2019, about 76.4% of residents (or their immediate family members) owned their homes, with the median value of these homes being $541,000.
The city’s demographics reveal a diverse population, and Milton’s rich history, strong educational foundation, and economic prosperity make it a desirable location for families and individuals seeking a blend of urban amenities and rural charm.
Grovetown
Grovetown may be a small city with just under 20,000 residents, but its charm and strong sense of community make it an ideal place for families. Nestled in Columbia County, just outside Augusta, this city offers affordable housing, excellent schools, and a peaceful suburban atmosphere that continues to attract new residents.
With a crime rate 65% lower than the national average, Grovetown provides a secure environment where children can play freely, and families can thrive without constant safety concerns. Residents enjoy well-maintained parks, local farmers’ markets, and year-round community events that foster a strong neighborhood connection.
Grovetown’s proximity to Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) also makes it a popular choice for military families, offering stability, job opportunities, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an active suburban lifestyle, Grovetown truly offers the best of both worlds.
Peachtree City
Peachtree City feels like a vacation town that never ends, and part of its charm is its unique golf cart-friendly infrastructure. With over 100 miles of golf cart paths, residents often ditch their cars in favor of electric carts, making the city feel both connected and laid-back.
Beyond its charming mode of transportation, Peachtree City is known for its low crime rates, top-rated schools, and abundance of green spaces. Families can enjoy lakefront activities at Lake Peachtree, hike through nature trails, or spend a relaxing afternoon at the many parks, coffee shops, and locally-owned boutiques.
Peachtree City’s commitment to safety is evident in its violent crime rate, which is 61% lower than most cities in Georgia. With a welcoming atmosphere, tight-knit community events, and excellent public services, it’s no surprise that families continue to flock to this one-of-a-kind city.
Braselton
Just 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Braselton combines small-town charm with modern convenience, making it one of Georgia’s most desirable places to live. Frequently ranked as one of the safest cities in the state, Braselton has gained a reputation for low crime rates, high-quality schools, and a strong sense of community.
Originally known for its historic downtown and the famous Château Élan Winery & Resort, the city has grown into a family-friendly hub with a balance of old-world charm and new development. Residents enjoy quaint local shops, scenic walking trails, and family-friendly festivals that bring the community together throughout the year.
With safety at the forefront, Braselton offers families peace of mind, a welcoming atmosphere, and proximity to both nature and city life—a rare find in today’s fast-paced world.
Alpharetta
Alpharetta is a bustling city that runs on its own heartbeat, capturing that perfect balance between overflowing energy and calm tranquility.
The cultural community makes this a great place for families looking for creativity in a safe space, and you’ll enjoy the ambiance of a city that values safety above all.
Tyrone
While Tyrone only has about eight thousand residents, this suburban area is the perfect spot for those families looking for wide open spaces and privacy without compromising safety.
Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the state, you can enjoy hiking and biking trails, sports events, parks, and community picnics with your family, without a worry.
Kennesaw
Just 27 miles northwest of Atlanta, Kennesaw is nestled in a community that’s as lush and beautiful as it is safe. Its legacy of safety has led it to be 60% safer than most cities in the state. The town is filled with coffee shops, parks, museums, and kind neighbors in a suburban ambiance.
When it comes to safety, Kennesaw stands out due to its unique mandatory gun-possession ordinance.
This law, passed in the 1980s in response to a crime wave, mandates every head of household to own a firearm with ammunition.
While primarily symbolic with numerous exceptions, this ordinance often becomes a focal point in discussions about gun rights and crime prevention.
Beyond safety, Kennesaw is a haven for recreation and community activities. The city boasts parks like Swift-Cantrell Park, which is equipped with amenities such as playgrounds, skate parks, and walking trails, perfect for family outings.
Throughout the year, residents and visitors can partake in various events, including the Big Pie in the Sky pizzeria challenge and the annual Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival, all of which contribute to the city’s family-friendly vibe.
Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs is an inner-ring suburb of Atlanta that seamlessly blends urban convenience with suburban tranquility. As one of Georgia’s safest cities, it offers a lower crime rate than most of the state, making it an attractive choice for families looking for a secure yet lively environment.
This thriving city is home to more than a dozen parks, including the scenic Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, where families can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and picnicking. Its well-maintained green spaces and strong community engagement make it a wonderful place for children to grow up.
With top-rated schools, diverse dining options, and a strong job market, Sandy Springs provides a high quality of life without sacrificing the charm of suburban living. Whether you’re looking for an active social scene or a quiet retreat, this city offers the best of both worlds.
Acworth
Acworth is a lakeside sanctuary known for its natural beauty, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of community. Located just a short drive from Atlanta, this walkable city offers an ideal mix of small-town charm and modern amenities.
Residents enjoy access to Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona, where they can boat, fish, paddleboard, or relax by the water. With quaint historic streets, excellent schools, and community events year-round, Acworth fosters a welcoming environment for families looking to settle down.
The city boasts a crime rate significantly lower than the national average, allowing residents to enjoy peaceful neighborhoods without worry. Whether you’re looking for weekend festivals, hiking trails, or a friendly community to call home, Acworth delivers a perfect balance of safety, recreation, and Southern hospitality.
2024 Georgia Crime Rates
Georgia is a state that, deservedly or not, has consistently had people worried about crime.
Many are concerned about property crime, violent crime, cybercrime, and overall safety; still, lowering crime rates and cities with high safety ratings are found all around.
Georgians care deeply about their safety, taking action to protect neighborhoods and homes. Community initiatives and smart security solutions make already safe cities even safer.
How Georgia’s Safest Cities of 2025 Were Determined
To pinpoint the safest cities in Georgia for the year 2024, we relied on the most recent complete FBI crime report from 2021 and population statistics. Cities that didn’t meet certain population criteria or failed to provide a comprehensive crime report to the FBI were not included in the rankings.
Exclusions and Data Gaps
Unlike the national report, which excluded nine states due to incomplete crime reporting, Georgia’s data was sufficiently comprehensive for the analysis. This is noteworthy given the recent transition from the FBI Summary Reporting System (SRS) to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which has led to data gaps in several states.
Crime Rate Calculation Methodology
The rankings are based on both violent and property crime statistics. Violent crimes considered include aggravated assault, murder, rape, and robbery, while property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Arson is not included in the property crime rates, in line with FBI guidelines.
To make the data comparable across cities with varying populations, we calculated crime rates per 1,000 residents. This differs from the FBI’s method, which uses rates per 100,000 residents. Both violent and property crime numbers were weighted equally in the rankings, and state-level standardization was applied before weighting.
Georgia-Specific Considerations
It’s worth noting that Georgia’s data was robust enough to avoid the exclusions seen in other states. This speaks to the state’s commitment to accurate and comprehensive crime reporting, making the rankings a reliable resource for families looking to settle in the Peach State.
By focusing solely on Georgia, this analysis provides a more localized view of safety, allowing residents and potential newcomers to make informed decisions based on data that is most relevant to them.
A closer look at our Top 5 Safest Cities in Georgia:
City | Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
Property Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
Johns Creek | 0.2 | 4.2 |
Milton | 0.8 | 5 |
Grovetown | 1.4 | 6.9 |
Peachtree City | 0.4 | 9.6 |
Braselton | 1 | 7.2 |
Georgia’s Level of Concern and Experience with Crime
66% of people in Georgia express concern about overall crime, but as a result that worry has caused communities to be proactive in building stronger foundations, causing many neighborhoods and cities to be even safer than the national average.
Georgia’s Crime Concerns
Since crime is a concern anywhere you might want to start or continue a family, it’s important to look at the main worries that residents may encounter.
Violent Crime
Violent crime is not a worry to be taken lightly, and communities have taken proactive measures to make sure cities and neighborhoods are looked after by authorities while neighbors rally together to make cities like John Creek and Milton great places for families to live.
Cyber Crime
Although Georgia is a serene haven, no state is safe from cybercrime. This digital shadow can loom over you and your family, and with over two thousand cybercrimes committed daily, it can be unsettling.
Phishing accounts for most of the cybercrimes, but some regions in Georgia, like Gainesville, have managed to lower cybercrime rates and ransomware through fortified digital sanctuaries.
However, Georgia did make the top 5 U.S. states with the highest losses due to cybercrime in 2022, making safety a priority.
If you’re worried about cybercrime, we suggest keeping your systems up-to-date, only downloading applications from trusted sources, and being wary of phishing and identity theft.
Property Crime
You might be worried about your property being trespassed on or burgled, which can be especially concerning when you’re thinking about your family. Living in a safe city can help, but smart solutions like window and door alarms can be effective ways to fortify your home and calm your worries.
Gun Violence
In the face of growing gun violence across the nation, it’s no wonder that it’s a concern for any family trying to find a home. First-hand experiences with violent crime are up 25% around the country, leading to Georgians advocating for responsible gun ownership and sensible legislation, all while taking safety into their own hands with security systems and law-abiding behavior.
Package Theft
A less violent but still worrying crime is package theft, and while the convenience of Amazon and other e-commerce websites is a joy, it can also put you at risk of porch pirates. Across the country, many people have decided to install security and doorbell cameras like this Blink Mini Black 2Cam to help keep a watchful eye on all of your incoming packages.
Safeguarding Your Home
Safety is a cherished commodity, and keeping your home safe is a top priority. More than where you lay down to sleep – your home should be a sanctuary where you can live without worry in the world. Prevention is often the key to safety, so keep this in mind when thinking about home security:
Security Cameras
Keeping a watchful eye on your home, day and night, can help you keep tabs on your house even if you’re miles away. Doorbell cameras and porch cameras have become popular, and if you’re looking for a smart security camera, consider a 1080 HD resolution solution like the Blink Mini Black 2Cam.
Window and Door Alarms
As gateways into your home, it’s smart to equip your house with window and door alarms if you’re worried about wandering creepers. Unwelcome intrusions can be scared off with loud alarms and safety features that deter unwanted guests, like the GE Protection Security System.
Smart Deadbolt
Has technology taken over traditional locks and keys? Probably not, but there are smart options that help optimize your home’s safety. Smart deadbolts that connect to Wi-Fi and allow you to control who comes in and out of your home at any moment are an attractive option for those looking to fortify security, and you can find options like the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt.
Conclusion
Choosing a city where safety is a priority means giving your family peace of mind, a strong sense of community, and access to top-rated schools. The safest cities in Georgia, including Johns Creek, Milton, and Peachtree City, continue to maintain low crime rates through proactive policing, neighborhood watch programs, and engaged residents.
As Georgia continues to see declining crime rates, families have more options than ever to settle in communities that value security. Whether you prefer the suburban charm of Milton, the lakeside appeal of Acworth, or the small-town feel of Grovetown, these cities offer a safe and supportive environment for families.
If you’re planning a move in 2025, these cities provide the best combination of low crime, great schools, and a welcoming atmosphere—the perfect place to put down roots and build a future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which City in Georgia Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
Johns Creek consistently ranks as the safest city in Georgia, with violent crime rates 80% lower than the state average and a well-funded police department ensuring proactive safety measures.
What Are the Safest Cities in Georgia for 2025?
Some of the safest cities for families in 2025 include Johns Creek, Milton, Peachtree City, Grovetown, and Braselton. These cities have low crime rates, strong school systems, and active community safety programs.
Is Atlanta a Safe Place for Families?
While some areas of Atlanta have higher crime rates, many of its suburbs—including Milton, Sandy Springs, and Alpharetta—offer safer environments with strong law enforcement presence and low property crime rates.
Which Georgia Cities Have the Lowest Property Crime Rates?
Milton, Grovetown, and Peachtree City have some of the lowest property crime rates in Georgia, making them excellent choices for families prioritizing home security.
How Does Georgia Compare to Other Southern States in Safety?
Georgia ranks safer than Louisiana and South Carolina, with lower violent crime rates and more family-friendly suburban developments.
What Can Families Do to Stay Safe in Georgia?
Investing in smart security systems, participating in neighborhood watch programs, and staying informed on local crime trends can help families maintain a safe home environment.