Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin the United Kingdom due to terrorism. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Kingdom.”
Updated Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Full advisory →Fast. Reliable. Free.
Made for travelers, by travelers
United States · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Atlanta, GA scores 73/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes, Atlanta is moderately safe for visitors who exercise increased caution in certain areas and follow standard urban precautions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 18 October 2026
73
/ 100
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin the United Kingdom due to terrorism. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Kingdom.”
Updated Wed, 09 Sep 2026
Full advisory →No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:48:24Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-10-15T08:53:58.290000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery risk is moderate for visitors, primarily in southwest and southeast areas and around MARTA stations after dark
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching pose moderate risk in crowded tourist areas, transit hubs, and event venues like Centennial Olympic Park
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
67/100
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors feel generally safe when exercising normal urban precautions and staying in recommended areas, though vigilance is advised in certain neighborhoods and after dark.
Yes, Atlanta is moderately safe for visitors who exercise increased caution in certain areas and follow standard urban precautions.
Atlanta's crime rate is 22% above the national average, though recent data shows overall crime down 10% and violent crime declining significantly. Pickpocketing and robbery pose moderate risks, primarily in crowded tourist areas, transit hubs, and specific neighborhoods after dark. Visitors who stay in well-traveled areas like Buckhead, Midtown, and Virginia Highland and avoid walking alone at night in higher-risk zones can enjoy the city safely.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Atlanta presents a mixed safety picture for tourists. While the city has made notable progress in reducing crime rates recently, with overall crime down 10% and violent crime declining significantly in 2025, it still faces challenges with petty crime and vehicle break-ins. The safest areas include Buckhead, Midtown, and Virginia Highland, while certain neighborhoods require extra caution. Visitors who exercise normal urban precautions and stay in well-traveled areas can enjoy Atlanta's rich culture, dining, and attractions safely.
Recent developments show temporary road closures around Centennial Olympic Park following FIFA World Cup matches, which may affect pedestrian flow and increase congestion in tourist zones. Georgia officials urged caution ahead of busy Labor Day travel due to increased road traffic, and Memorial Day 2026 saw road fatalities double compared to the previous year. However, Atlanta Police Department data through August 2026 indicates a 7% drop in overall crime from 2024 to 2025, with homicides down 43% since 2022, reflecting positive trends in public safety.
To stay safe, visitors should avoid walking alone at night in higher-risk areas, particularly in southwest and southeast neighborhoods and around MARTA stations after dark. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are moderate risks in crowded tourist areas, transit hubs, and event venues like Centennial Olympic Park. Fake stranded tourist scams have been reported targeting visitors at World Cup crowds and other large gatherings. Using rideshare services instead of public transit late at night, keeping valuables secure and out of sight, and staying in well-lit, populated areas like Buckhead, Midtown, or Virginia Highland are practical precautions that significantly reduce risk. The city's excellent healthcare system, reliable transportation options, and strong tourism infrastructure help offset security concerns for those who remain vigilant.
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06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Atlanta, GA districts for visitors: 3 safer, 2 needing caution and 3 best avoided. See them plotted on the Atlanta, GA safety map.
West EndavoidHigher crime rates; visitors should avoid, particularly after dark, due to robbery and assault risks.
Oakland CityavoidIdentified in multiple sources as a high-crime area; avoid, especially at night, due to violent crime and theft.
AdamsvilleavoidRanked among most dangerous neighborhoods in 2026; high rates of violent crime and property crime; avoid entirely.
DowntowncautionHeavy police presence but pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins reported; exercise increased caution, especially after dark.
Old Fourth WardcautionGentrifying area near MLK Historic Site; petty crime possible, avoid walking alone at night.
BuckheadsaferUpscale district with low crime, strong police presence, popular with business travelers and families.
MidtownsaferWalkable, well-lit, active nightlife, strong community engagement, popular with young professionals.
Virginia HighlandsaferCharming shops and restaurants, well-lit streets, active nightlife, considered safe for visitors.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Mugging and armed robbery risk is moderate for visitors, primarily in southwest and southeast areas and around MARTA stations after dark
After dark, be most careful around West End, Oakland City, Adamsville, Downtown. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes, Atlanta is moderately safe for visitors who exercise increased caution in certain areas and follow standard urban precautions. Atlanta's crime rate is 22% above the national average, though recent data shows overall crime down 10% and violent crime declining significantly. Pickpocketing and robbery pose moderate risks, primarily in crowded tourist areas, transit hubs, and specific neighborhoods after dark. Visitors who stay in well-traveled areas like Buckhead, Midtown, and Virginia Highland and avoid walking alone at night in higher-risk zones can enjoy the city safely. (Assessed 18 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Atlanta, GA report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Field research flags West End, Oakland City, Adamsville as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Atlanta, GA ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 73/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight (and U.S. reports lean more on the latest field research); the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: atlanta-ga.json (CC BY 4.0).