Kennesaw is full of small-town charm and steeped in history, including Civil War history; Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is only about 4 miles away. Kennesaw has great schools, excellent parks, lots of green spaces, and well-maintained athletic facilities, providing high-quality and affordable recreation programs for adults and kids. Kennesaw also offers plenty of shopping, dining, and cultural sites, such as the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, the Zuckerman Museum of Art, and the Museum of History and Holocaust Education. Kennesaw hosts some awesome festivals every year as well, including the Big Shanty Arts & Crafts Festival and the Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival.
You might be wondering whether Kennesaw is a safe place for you to live. Rest assured that Kennesaw is safe. In 2020, Kennesaw was ranked sixth by the National Council for Home Safety and Security’s Safest Cities in Georgia list. The crime rate is well below the national average, and the neighborhoods are safe and well-maintained. Check out this guide to crime in Kennesaw to see just how safe a city it is to help you decide if moving to Kennesaw is right for you.
Understanding the Kennesaw Crime Rate – How Crime Rates Are Calculated
Crime rates are calculated by the FBI from data collected by their law enforcement agencies. The FBI began compiling crime statistics in 1930, using the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. They collect data from more than 18,000 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the country using the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).
The NIBRS replaced the old Summary Reporting System (SRS) in 2021 because it captures more information than the SRS did and adds details for each crime incident. It also separates offenses within the same incident and collects hate crime data.
Crime data is divided into two categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes include arson, burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
According to the NIBRS, violent crimes increased in Kennesaw from 21 reported violent crimes in 2011 to 48 in 2021. Property crimes fell from 571 in 2011 to 414 in 2021.
Many people compare crime rates and statistics to determine whether one city is safer than another, but the FBI discourages doing this. Below is a list of some important factors that the crime statistics don’t take into consideration when comparing how safe one city is compared to another:
- Population density and degree of urbanization
- Variations in the makeup of the population, especially the youth concentration
- Stability of the population with respect to mobility, commuting patterns, and transient factors
- Modes of transportation and the highway system
- Economic conditions include median income, poverty level, and job availability
- Cultural factors and educational, recreational, and religious characteristics
- Family conditions from divorce and family cohesiveness
- Climate
- Strength and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies
- Administrative and investigative emphases of law enforcement
- Policies of other components of the criminal justice system, such as prosecutorial, judicial, correctional, and probational
- Citizens’ attitudes toward crime
- Crime reporting practices of the public
What Is the Kennesaw Crime Rate?
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Here are the Kennesaw GA crime rate statistics, according to the data released by the FBI for 2021:
- The total crime reported was 462 (1,315 per 100,000 people)
- The total property crime reported was 414 (1,178 per 100,000 people)
- The total number of violent crimes reported was 48 (137 per 100,000 people)
- You have a 1 in 77 chance of being the victim of a crime in Kennesaw
Kennesaw crime rates compared to the national averages:
- Kennesaw crime rates were 44% lower than the national average
- Violent crimes in Kennesaw were 65% lower than the national average
- Property crimes in Kennesaw were 40% lower than the national average
Kennesaw Crime Map & Crime Reports
The Kennesaw Police Department provides up-to-date crime data for the LexisNexis Community Crime Map which allows you to view crimes on a map, a crime grid, and/or a chart. The data can be filtered by type of crime. You can also select a date range or a timeframe to view, such as three days, one week, two weeks, etc.
Violent Crime in Kennesaw
A total of 137 violent crimes were reported in Kennesaw per 100,000 people in 2021. The murder rate was 0.0 per 100,000 people. The national murder rate average is 6.5 per 100,000 people. Between 2011 and 2021, there have been two reported homicides in Kennesaw, one in 2014 and one in 2019.
The number of violent crimes in Kennesaw by type in 2021 was:
- Homicide – 0
- Rape – 4
- Robbery – 4
- Aggravated assault – 40
The number of violent crimes in Kennesaw per 100,000 people (compared to the national average) in 2021 was:
- Homicide – 0.0 (6.5)
- Rape – 11.4 (38.4)
- Robbery – 11.4 (73.9)
- Aggravated assault – 113.8 (279.7)
You have a 1 in 733 chance of being the victim of a violent crime in Kennesaw.
The Kennesaw Police Department has 68 sworn officers. Their mission is to ensure the community is safe from crime and disorder by focusing on crime prevention and reducing the fear of crime. Their core values are respect, integrity, service, and excellence in every aspect of what they do.
Property Crime in Kennesaw
The total number of property crimes reported in Kennesaw in 2021 was 414.
The Kennesaw property crime rate (number of reported crimes per 100,000 people) compared to the Georgia state and the U.S. in 2021 was:
Total property crime
- Kennesaw – 1,178
- Georgia – 2,007
- U.S. – 1,958
Burglary
- Kennesaw – 96.7
- Georgia – 290.7
- U.S. – 314.2
Theft
- Kennesaw – 1,007.3
- Georgia – 1,478.5
- U.S. – 1,398.0
Vehicle theft
- Kennesaw – 74.0
- Georgia – 238.2
- U.S. – 246.0
As you can see, Kennesaw is a very safe place to live compared to the rest of the state and the nation. How safe Kennesaw will be for you depends on where you live.
High Crime Areas of Kennesaw
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The best part about Kennesaw is there are no extremely dangerous neighborhoods. This is a safe city without a lot of crime present. However, if you want to avoid high crime areas of Kennesaw, these areas below would best be avoided.
Huntington Woods
On the southeast side of Kennesaw is Huntington Woods, which is a mostly suburban area. The neighborhoods here are a bit more affordable, and they have seen an increase in petty theft and car break-ins.
Highland Trace
The northeast side of Kennesaw is Highland Trace, and here, they have seen an increase in car break-ins as well. This area is also very close to Kennesaw State University, which sees the majority of drug and alcohol offenses in the city.
Cambridge Grove
This is another Kennesaw neighborhood that is mostly student housing. While violent crimes are rare, minor offenses like drug, alcohol, and petty theft can be high in this area.
Kennesaw Woods
Kennesaw Woods is close to the downtown area. The Kennesaw GA downtown crime isn’t high, but it is higher than surrounding areas. Like with any city, higher rates of crime are reported here. Still, violent crime is very rare.
Westover
The southwest corner of Downtown is Westover, which sees a lot of offenses. This is the highest crime area in Kennesaw, and the majority of violent crimes in Kennesaw are committed here.
Safest Neighborhoods In Kennesaw
The community that fits your needs, your budget, and your preferences will be safe for you and your family. Here are some of the safest neighborhoods in Kennesaw.
Westport
Westport is a quiet community with grand homes built in Traditional and Ranch architectural styles. Established in 1993, Westport features a close community where neighbors look out for each other and an active homeowners association. Besides being a safe neighborhood, Westport offers a wide range of amenities, including a tennis court, swimming pool, and residents-only park.
Hunt Club
Hunt Club is a peaceful neighborhood, great for families, with large, wooded lots. The pool, lighted tennis courts, playground, basketball court, community clubhouse, and sidewalks all cater to families and promote a safe environment. Lewis Elementary, McClure Middle, and Allatoona High are close by, and all have great reputations.
Legacy Park
Legacy Park offers residents lots of privacy and security. Nestled in the middle of a wildlife and nature preserve, the community features nature trails, lush landscapes, rolling hills, streams, and a lake. The sidewalks and biking paths are lighted. Residents also enjoy green space, baseball fields, four swimming pools, 11 tennis courts, nine holes of disc golf, an amphitheater, and safe play areas for children.
Pinetree Country Club
Pinetree Country Club boasts a well-designed golf course and other amenities. It’s a notable draw for golf enthusiasts, with a Bob Cupp-designed course. The neighborhood offers a mix of spacious homes, with some overlooking the golf course, making it an attractive option for golf aficionados.
Winchester Farms
Celebrated for its family-friendly environment and safety is Winchester Farms. It’s a community where families thrive, largely thanks to its excellent schools and numerous parks. The neighborhood offers a range of housing options, from single-family homes to townhomes.
Bentwater
This neighborhood is known for its versatility in housing options, providing a blend of spacious family homes and more modern designs. It features community amenities like a pool, tennis courts, and walking trails. Residents report feeling safe in this family-centered community.
Kennesaw Safety Tips – How To Avoid Crime In Kennesaw, GA
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Kennesaw is unique in the fact that they have a law that mandates gun ownership control. This law was put into place in 1982, and it has helped the city remain safe. If you look at the Kennesaw GA crime rate before and after gun law, it’s clear that Kennesaw is one of the safest cities in the United States. Still, always follow these tips to remain safe.
- Avoid high crime neighborhoods
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- Plan your route in advance
- Always lock your doors and windows
- Never leave valuables in plain view
- Always lock your car
- Park in well-lit areas
- Use your garage to park vehicles at home
- Don’t go out alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas
- Never ask for or accept a ride from a stranger
Campus Crime and Safety
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Kennesaw State University, located in Kennesaw, Georgia, is a public institution known for its vibrant campus community and diverse student population. While the campus is generally safe, like any university, it is not entirely immune to crime. The university takes campus safety seriously and has measures in place to ensure the well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.
Campus security is provided by the Kennesaw State University Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining safety and security on both the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses. They offer services such as emergency response, safety escorts, and crime prevention programs. The university also encourages students and the campus community to report any suspicious activity promptly.
The Kennesaw Georgia crime rates show it’s a safe place to live. It’s important to note that universities often experience lower crime rates compared to surrounding areas, and Kennesaw State is no exception.
The most common crimes in the area:
- Drug offenses
- Liquor offenses
- Burglary
- Illegal weapons offenses
- Forcible sex offenses
To report a crime, go to the Kennesaw State University Police Department.
Public Safety, 351 Paulding Ave, Kennesaw, GA 30144, (470) 578-6666
Kennesaw Police Department
Facts about the Kennesaw Police Department:
- 68 sworn police officers
- Headquarters – 2539 J.O. Stephenson Ave, Kennesaw, GA 30144
- Approximately 20.6 officers per 10,000 population
- The Chief of Police is Bill Westenberger
- Non-emergency phone number is 770-429-4535
The Kennesaw Police Department provides high-quality law enforcement to those who live, work, and travel through the City of Kennesaw.
Kennesaw Crime Rate FAQ
1. How Safe Is Kennesaw?
Kennesaw is very safe, with the crime rate 44% lower than the national average.
2. Is Downtown Kennesaw Safe?
Yes, downtown Kennesaw is a safe area. As with any area, though, you should always take precautions after dark.
3. What Is the Crime Rate in Kennesaw?
The overall crime rate in Kennesaw is 44% lower than the national average.
Kennesaw is one of the safest cities in Georgia. It is much lower than the state national average for both violent and property crimes. With safe neighborhoods and an active police force, Kennesaw is a pleasant and safe area to call home. If you’re about to make Kennesaw your new home, contact the best Kennesaw movers to help you get there. Call us today at 404-635-6683 for a free quote.
