Georgia is a state blessed with a varied culture, a long history, and stunning scenery. Not every town in the region is a desirable place to live, though. A few of them struggle with high rates of crime, low incomes, inadequate education, and a dearth of opportunity. Based on information from other sources and the most recent census, these are the towns that individuals are trying to get out of as quickly as possible.

1. East Point

About 35,000 people live in the Atlanta suburb of East Point. With a violent crime rate of 1,467 per 100,000 residents—more than four times the national average—it is among the most dangerous areas in Georgia. The median household income is only $41,622, and the poverty rate is extremely high at 24.4%. With only 19.5% of individuals holding a bachelor’s degree or more, the educational level of the population is low and the unemployment rate is 9.4%.

2. College Park

Another Atlanta suburb, College Park is home to roughly 15,000 people. The busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is located there. With an unemployment rate of 11.8%, a median family income of $31,951, and a poverty rate of 35.2%, the town is not particularly wealthy. At 1,413 violent offenses per 100,000 population, more than four times the national average, the crime rate is very high. The percentage of individuals with a bachelor’s degree or more is likewise low, at 18.9%.

3. Forest Park

The population of Forest Park, a community in Clayton County, is roughly 20,000. With a median family income of $28,631, an unemployment rate of 12.4%, and a poverty rate of 36.6%, it is among the poorest areas in Georgia. With 1,038 violent crimes per 100,000 population, more than three times the national average, the crime rate is as high. The percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree or more is very low, at 11.6%.

4. Americus

About 15,000 people live in the Sumter County municipality of Americus. It is the birthplace of the charity organization Habitat for Humanity, which constructs reasonably priced homes for families with modest incomes. With a poverty rate of 34.9%, a median household income of $30,359, and an unemployment rate of 10.2%, the town is not particularly inexpensive. With 1,003 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, more than three times the national average, the crime rate is as high. The percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree or more is likewise low, at 16.8%.

5. Cordele

The population of Cordele, a town in Crisp County, is roughly 11,000 people. Because of its yearly watermelon festival, it is referred to as the Watermelon Capital of the World. With a poverty rate of 38.4%, a median household income of $25,191, and an unemployment rate of 9.9%, the town itself is not particularly charming. With 996 violent offenses per 100,000 population, more than three times the national average, the crime rate is as high. The percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree or more is likewise low, at 11.4%.

6. Albany

The population of Albany, a city in Dougherty County, is roughly 75,000. Ray Charles, the renowned singer and pianist, was born there. With a 32.3% poverty rate, a median household income of $33,436 and a 9.6% unemployment rate, the city itself is anything but melodic. With 948 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, more than three times the national average, the crime rate is very high. The percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree or more is likewise low, at 19.4%.

7. Union City

Union City is a suburban area of Atlanta, home to roughly 22,000 people. It is home to the corporate offices of the chain of movie theaters Carmike Cinemas. With a poverty rate of 24.9%, a median household income of $37,238 and an unemployment rate of 9.5%, the town itself is not particularly enjoyable. With 921 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, more than three times the national average, the crime rate is as high. In addition, very few adults have completed college, with just 17.9% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or above.

Conclusion

Based on statistics from the most recent census and other sources, these are the seven Georgian municipalities where residents are trying to get away as quickly as possible. High rates of crime, low salaries, little education, and a dearth of opportunity define them. They are not particularly appealing places to live, and many locals are searching elsewhere for better possibilities. Though there are many wonderful towns in Georgia, these are not them.