Georgia is a state with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. However, not all of its towns are equally attractive to live in. Some of them are facing serious challenges such as crime, poverty, unemployment, pollution, or natural disasters. As a result, many residents are leaving these towns in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Here are seven Georgia towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.

1. East Point

East Point is a suburb of Atlanta that has a high crime rate and a low quality of life. According to the FBI, East Point had the highest violent crime rate in Georgia in 2019, with 1,587 incidents per 100,000 people. The town also has a high poverty rate of 25.9%, compared to the state average of 13.3%. East Point’s population has declined by 4.6% since 2010.

2. Albany

Albany is a city in southwest Georgia that has been hit hard by economic decline and natural disasters. The city’s unemployment rate was 7.1% in December 2020, well above the state average of 5.6%. Albany also suffered from severe flooding in 1994 and 1998, and a deadly tornado outbreak in 2017. Albany’s population has decreased by 5.9% since 2010.

3. College Park

College Park is another suburb of Atlanta that has a reputation for being unsafe and unlivable. The town has the second-highest violent crime rate in Georgia, with 1,399 incidents per 100,000 people in 2019. The town also has a low median household income of $34,383, compared to the state average of $61,980. College Park’s population has dropped by 7.7% since 2010.

4. Macon

Macon is a city in central Georgia that has struggled with urban decay and social problems. The city has a high poverty rate of 26.8%, and a low median household income of $37,405. The city also has a high crime rate, with 1,064 violent incidents per 100,000 people in 2019. Macon’s population has shrunk by 1.6% since 2010.

5. Americus

Americus is a small town in southwest Georgia that has faced economic hardship and environmental issues. The town’s unemployment rate was 6.7% in December 2020, higher than the state average of 5.6%. The town also has a high poverty rate of 29.5%, and a low median household income of $30,359. Americus was also damaged by a tornado in 2007, and a hurricane in 2018. Americus’s population has fallen by 4.3% since 2010.

6. Forest Park

Forest Park is a suburb of Atlanta that has a low standard of living and a high crime rate. The town has a poverty rate of 28.5%, and a median household income of $31,228. The town also has a high violent crime rate, with 1,038 incidents per 100,000 people in 2019. Forest Park’s population has declined by 3.4% since 2010.

7. Cordele

Cordele is a small town in south-central Georgia that has suffered from economic stagnation and social issues. The town’s unemployment rate was 6.9% in December 2020, higher than the state average of 5.6%. The town also has a high poverty rate of 35.9%, and a low median household income of $25,191. Cordele’s population has decreased by 6.2% since 2010.

Conclusion

These are some of the Georgia towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible. They are facing various challenges such as crime, poverty, unemployment, pollution, or natural disasters. These factors make them less desirable to live in, and more likely to lose residents. However, these towns are not hopeless. With proper planning, investment, and community involvement, they can overcome their difficulties and become more livable and prosperous.