If you are looking into living in Cumming GA, the first question on your mind is likely about safety. It is the number one thing clients ask me when we sit down to look at homes, especially those moving from denser parts of the Atlanta metro or relocating from out of state.
The short answer? Yes, Cumming is widely considered one of the safest suburbs in Georgia.
However, "Cumming" is a broad term. It officially refers to a small city center, but locally, we use it to describe a massive chunk of Forsyth County. While the area balances a small-town feel with rapid development, the safety statistics tell a compelling story. Let's dig into the numbers and the local nuance so you can feel confident about where you're looking to buy.
Cumming Crime Rates & Statistics (2025-2026 Data)
To understand safety here, you first have to understand the geography. A vast number of homes for sale in the area have a "Cumming" address but are actually located in unincorporated Forsyth County. This is good news for buyers because Forsyth County consistently ranks as one of the safest counties in the state.
When we look at the data from late 2024 through early 2026, the total crime rate in the Cumming area sits significantly lower than both the Georgia and national averages. While the population has boomed, local law enforcement has managed to keep crime rates stable or even trending slightly downward in certain categories.
Here is how the numbers generally shake out compared to the rest of the country:
Total crime is approximately 48% lower than the national average.
Cumming is safer than roughly 70% to 95% of U.S. cities, depending on whether you look at city limits or the wider county area.
Recent data indicates a rate of roughly 10 to 14 reported incidents per 1,000 residents.
Violent Crime vs. Property Crime Breakdown
It is important to distinguish between "crime" as a broad statistic and the actual risks residents face. When you see crime reports here, they are almost overwhelmingly related to property rather than personal safety.
Violent crime in Cumming is extremely low. Incidents are rare—hovering around 1 incident per 1,000 residents annually—and they are often isolated events between individuals who know each other rather than random acts. The chance of being a victim of violent crime here is exceptionally low compared to the greater Atlanta metro area.
Property crime is where the majority of the statistics come from, specifically non-violent theft. This usually involves car break-ins or "porch piracy" (package theft).
Violent crime rate: ~1 per 1,000 residents (approx. 50% lower than US average).
Property crime rate: ~9-10 per 1,000 residents.
The context here matters. A significant portion of these property crimes occur in commercial parking lots near major retail hubs or involve unlocked vehicles in driveways. For homeowners, simple precautions like locking car doors and installing doorbell cameras mitigate a huge portion of this risk.
Safest Neighborhoods and Areas in Cumming
While the entire region is generally low-risk, there are nuances between different sections of the county. Generally speaking, the northern parts of Cumming tend to see the fewest incidents, largely because they are less commercialized and more residential.
Southwest areas, particularly those bordering major retail centers along GA-400, may show slightly higher numbers on a crime map. This is usually due to shoplifting or parking lot incidents at big-box stores rather than residential safety issues.
Many buyers find peace of mind in the area's master-planned communities. Neighborhoods like Vickery offer a unique village-style layout where high walkability and close-knit neighbors create strong natural surveillance. Similarly, Windermere utilizes its layout and private amenities to deter cut-through traffic, adding a layer of security.
Other areas frequently cited for their stability and quiet atmosphere include Polo Golf & Country Club and Three Chimneys Farm. These communities often have active Homeowners Associations (HOAs) that work closely with local law enforcement to maintain safety standards.
Safety Considerations for Different Residents
Safety means different things to different people. If you are browsing homes for sale in Windermere or other subdivisions, you are likely thinking about how the environment impacts your daily life.
For households with children, the focus is often on pedestrian safety and school atmosphere. The local school resource officer program is robust, and many neighborhoods are designed with sidewalks and speed bumps to prioritize play and walking.
For commuters, the biggest "danger" in Cumming isn't crime—it's the traffic on GA-400. As the area has grown, road safety has become a primary conversation. Accidents during rush hour are far more common than criminal activity, so choosing a home with a manageable commute is a genuine safety factor.
Retirees often appreciate the area for its quiet nature. Beyond low crime stats, the proximity to Northside Hospital Forsyth provides a safety net regarding healthcare access. The noise pollution is also significantly lower here than in suburbs closer to the Atlanta perimeter.
The Impact of Growth on Local Safety
If you drive through the area, you will see construction cranes and new developments. Forsyth County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation for years. Naturally, buyers worry that more people equals more crime.
While the raw number of calls to police increases with population, the rate of crime has remained impressively controlled. The biggest safety hazard resulting from this growth is actually construction zones. Navigating road widenings and new infrastructure projects requires extra attention behind the wheel.
Despite the boom, Cumming has held onto its "neighbors knowing neighbors" culture. This community feel is a powerful deterrent to crime. In many neighborhoods, residents are quick to spot a vehicle that doesn't belong or alert a neighbor if a garage door was left open.
Local Safety Resources & Emergency Services
Staying informed is the best way to stay safe. Residents here are served by two main agencies depending on their address: the City of Cumming Police Department and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff's Office covers the vast majority of the residential areas and is highly active in community engagement.
For medical emergencies, Northside Hospital Forsyth offers advanced care, including Level II Trauma Center capabilities, which is a massive asset for the community.
Most locals also rely on digital tools to stay connected. Apps like Nextdoor are very active here, and the Sheriff’s Office has its own app for alerts. Checking these resources can give you a real-time pulse on what is happening in the best neighborhoods in Cumming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Safety
Is Cumming, GA safer than Alpharetta?
Both cities are very safe and affluent, but they have different vibes. Alpharetta is denser with more commercial activity, which can skew crime numbers slightly higher in specific retail corridors. Cumming generally feels quieter and more rural, often resulting in lower property crime rates in the residential sectors.
What is the most common crime in Cumming?
The most common issue is larceny-theft. This category includes shoplifting from retail stores and theft from unlocked motor vehicles. Violent crime is statistically very rare.
Is public transportation in Cumming safe?
Public transit options are limited here, mostly consisting of the Xpress commuter bus service to Atlanta. The Park and Ride lots are well-lit and generally monitored, making them safe for commuters, though most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Does Cumming have a high crime rate?
No. By almost every metric, Cumming and Forsyth County have crime rates that are well below the national average and the Georgia state average. It is consistently ranked as a low-risk area.
Is it safe to walk at night in Cumming?
Within subdivisions and mixed-use communities like Vickery, walking at night is considered very safe. However, many main roads in the more rural parts of the county lack sidewalks and lighting, making them unsafe for pedestrians due to traffic, not crime.
