ATLANTA — Year-end crime statistics are expected to show another drop in crime citywide in 2024. An analysis of crime data from the Atlanta Police Department so far this year shows that the southside of Atlanta would lead the drop in crime.
For years, data has shown higher crime rates in the southside than citywide.
The 2024 data so far shows Atlanta’s southside still has more violent crime than the rest of the city. However, it also shows the biggest statistical drop in violent crime so far this year.
It also shows that:
- The number of homicides has dropped 15 percent citywide so far in 2024.
- In the southside, APD zones 3 and 4, the drop in homicides is 34 percent.
- Aggravated assaults have dropped nine percent citywide but 14 percent in the southside zones.
- Citywide property crimes are down five percent. On the southside, they’re down eleven percent.
"I’m glad you can see the results in crime – but look at everything else. Our high school graduation rate grew right here. And our job rate - unemployment rate right here – grew," said Atlanta City Councilman Antonio Lewis.
He says southside Atlanta residents are taking advantage of a buoyant economy that keeps more people out of trouble.
"Community relationship building. That plays a part in decreasing the crime," said Takesia Shields, who runs an anti-crime nonprofit on the southside.
"Bringing education, bringing mental health services, we’re bringing employment in the community. It’s going to change it," Shields said. "And you’ll see more crime decreasing."
The data shows crime dropping in five of the city’s six police zones – with the sharpest drops here on the southside. Downtown's zone five has had a slight uptick in homicides but fewer aggravated assaults.
To view APD's crime data portal, click here.