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Whether you’re planning to move to Georgia or simply curious about the crime rates in the state, understanding current trends is beneficial for keeping yourself safe when traveling or living your day-to-day life. Cobb County, GA, crime rates fluctuate year to year but typically seem to sit around the median in terms of crime across the entire state.

Finding up-to-date crime statistics about a region can be challenging, and even when you find the information, it can be difficult to understand it. County data is always changing, so it’s important to be sure you’re finding up-to-date information that is still relevant to your research—no matter why you’re searching.

A Glimpse at the Crime Rate in Cobb County

Cobb County ranks in the 53rd percentile for safety in the nation, putting it near the middle of the pack in terms of safe places to live in Georgia. The typical crime rate in Cobb County is approximately 29.17 per 1,000 residents. In 2023, it was 16.94 per 1,000 residents. According to total crime counts, it looks like areas to the east experience the most incidents while the west has the least.

In addition to impacting people’s lives every day, the cost of crime in Cobb County involves actual costs, too. Some of the tangible costs of crime in Georgia include:

• Criminal justice system costs
• Direct costs to victims
• Funding for crime prevention
• Lost economic contribution from offenders

Cobb County has a population of approximately 766,150, and the average age is about 37 years old. For the most part, metropolitan areas throughout the state of Georgia don’t experience above-average crime rates, and Cobb County follows that trend. Macon-Bibb County, on the other hand, ranks first in murder rates and third for aggravated assault.

Violent and Nonviolent Crimes in Cobb County

In 2023, Cobb County had a reported 13,165 crimes, with 1,671 violent crimes and 11,494 nonviolent crimes. Violent crimes throughout the county included aggravated assault, robbery, rape, murder, and human trafficking. Nonviolent crimes are generally property crimes and include arson, burglary, larceny/theft, and motor vehicle theft.

The overall property crime rate in Georgia is about 14 percent lower than the national rate, with larceny being the most commonly prosecuted offense. Violent crime rates in Georgia, on the other hand, are only slightly below the overall national rate but still near average. Even so, violent crimes are less common than property crimes throughout the state. The most prosecuted violent crime in the state is aggravated assault.

According to data from the Georgia Gang Investigators Association (GGIA), 65 percent of all crime in Georgia is due to gang-related activities. As of recent years, there are about 1,974 violent gangs in Georgia, comprising at least 127,732 known gang members and associates.

Final Thoughts on Cobb County’s Crime Rate

Historically, Cobb County has been considered a fairly safe place to live, especially when compared to the nearby city of Atlanta and other counties like Macon-Bibb County and Athens-Clarke County. In terms of violent crimes versus property crimes, the county experiences far more of the latter, with larceny, burglary, and theft making up the majority of reported cases.

You are likely to experience some level of unsafe surroundings no matter where you live, but understanding what types of crimes are prevalent and where they are taking place can help you avoid unnecessary risks and keep yourself safe.

FAQs

Q: Is Cobb County a Good Place to Live?

A: Overall, Cobb County is considered a good place for individuals and families to live. The area boasts over 200 miles of walking trails, 1,350 acres of green space, and 1.4 trillion gallons of water for recreational use.

The Cobb County PARKS Department also operates 44 park facilities, including the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre and the Cobb Gymnastics Center as well as community centers, fairgrounds, golf courses, indoor aquatic centers, tennis courts, waterparks, and more.

Q: What City in Georgia Has the Lowest Crime Rate?

A: The city of Holly Springs, which is located in Cherokee County, has the lowest violent crime rate across the state, followed by Braselton and Euharlee. Maysville, Ball Ground, and Harlem boast the lowest property crime rates. Holly Springs reported 16 violent crimes per 100,000 people, and Maysville had 49 property crimes per 100,000 people.

Q: Where Is the Safest Place To Live in Cobb County?

A: According to recent data, cities on the west side of Cobb County experience fewer crimes than those on the east. The city of Kennesaw was ranked #4 on SafeHome’s list of the safest cities throughout the entire state and made SafeWise’s list of the safest cities in Georgia as well.

Q: What Is Considered a Violent Crime in Cobb County?

A: Violent crimes encompass situations where a person harms another person through physical force, the use of weapons, or by threatening violence. Examples of violent crimes in Cobb County, Georgia, include armed robbery, assault, battery, child abuse or molestation, elder abuse, home invasion, human trafficking, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, and rape. Domestic violence and other sex crimes often fall under the category of violent crimes as well.

Contact a Cobb County Criminal Lawyer to Set Up an Appointment Today

If you have more crime-related questions about Cobb County or you’re seeking legal counsel for a criminal charge, The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman can be a great resource for you.

Lawrence J. Zimmerman is on the National Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers Board (NACDL) and a fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. He was also the president of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and worked closely with courts and government agencies on issues in the criminal legal system and has represented various clients as their criminal defense lawyer.

We understand the nuances of state and federal criminal laws, and we have experience dealing with a wide range of criminal cases in Georgia. If you’re ready to learn more, contact us to meet with a skilled Cobb County criminal attorney today.