Demographics & Context
Racial Disparities in Georgia\'s Criminal Justice System
This research compilation documents pervasive racial disparities across Georgia's criminal justice system, drawing from the Prison Policy Initiative, Vera Institute of Justice, Council of State Governments, and The Sentencing Project. Key findings include that Black Georgians constitute 31-32% of the state population but 60-61% of the prison population, are incarcerated at 2.6-2.7 times the rate of white people, and face disparities at every stage from arrest through parole. Georgia incarcerates 881 per 100,000 residents across all facility types, with 95,000 people currently behind bars and 528,000 under criminal justice supervision, while systemic issues including staffing shortages, rising pretrial detention in rural areas, and inadequate behavioral health services compound these inequities.
Pre-written explainers based on this research
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection.
236,000
Georgia books 236,000 people into jails every year
Statistic2.7x
Black Georgians locked up at 2.7x the rate of white residents
Statistic80%
80% of youth serving life sentences in Georgia are Black
StatisticAll Data Points
127 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
Georgia overall incarceration rate Statistic
Georgia incarcerates 881 per 100,000 people across prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile facilities.
881 per 100,000 people
Total people behind bars in Georgia Statistic
95,000 people are currently behind bars in Georgia.
95,000 people
Georgia residents locked up across all facility types Statistic
102,000 Georgia residents are locked up across all facility types.
102,000 people
Annual local jail bookings in Georgia Statistic
More than 236,000 different people are booked into local jails annually in Georgia.
236,000 people per year
Georgia residents under criminal justice supervision Statistic
528,000 Georgia residents are under criminal justice supervision.
528,000 people
People on probation or parole in Georgia Statistic
356,000 people are on probation or parole in Georgia.
356,000 people
Black incarceration rate disparity in Georgia (PPI) Statistic
Black individuals are incarcerated at 2.7 times the rate of white people in Georgia.
2.7x times the white rate
Georgia among states where Black individuals are majority of prison population Finding
Georgia is among 12 states where Black individuals make up more than half the prison population.
Black share of Georgia population vs prison population Statistic
While 31% of Georgia's population is Black, 61% of people in state prisons are Black.
61% vs. percent of state population
More than half of Georgians on parole are Black Statistic
More than half of Georgians on parole are Black.
50%
Women's incarceration rate in Georgia Statistic
Women's incarceration rate in Georgia is 177 per 100,000 residents.
177 per 100,000 residents
Women on probation or parole in Georgia Statistic
82,206 women are on probation or parole in Georgia.
82,206 women
Legally innocent people in Georgia jails Statistic
59% of people in Georgia jails are legally innocent (unconvicted).
59%
Homeless individuals in Atlanta jail bookings Statistic
1 in 8 Atlanta city jail bookings involve homeless individuals.
12.5%
Aging prison population in Georgia Statistic
13% of the Georgia prison population is over age 55.
13%
Healthcare copay in Georgia prisons Policy
Healthcare copay in Georgia prisons is $5.00 per visit.
E-messaging costs in Georgia prisons Policy
E-messaging in Georgia prisons costs up to 30 cents per message.
Jail phone call costs in Georgia Statistic
Jail phone calls in Georgia cost up to $4.65 for 15 minutes.
$4.65
Prison phone call costs in Georgia Statistic
Prison phone calls in Georgia cost $2.10 for 15 minutes.
$2.10
Money transfer fees in Georgia prisons Statistic
Money transfer fees in Georgia prisons are up to 18%.
18%
Georgia prison population increase 2021-2023 Trend
Georgia's prison population increased 7% between 2021 and 2023.
Parole board releases declined since pandemic Trend
Georgia's parole board releases 34% fewer people since the pandemic, with 44% fewer hearings.
Vera: Jail population increase since 1970 Trend
Since 1970, Georgia's total jail population has increased 1,562%.
Vera: Pretrial detainees as share of jail population Statistic
In 2015, pretrial detainees constituted 56% of the total jail population in Georgia.
56%
Vera: Prison custody population increase since 1983 Trend
Since 1983, Georgia's prison custody population has increased 222%.
Vera: Georgia prison population in 2018 Statistic
In 2018, there were 49,488 people in the Georgia prison system.
49,488 people
Vera: Total people locked up in Georgia Statistic
A total of 84,556 people were locked up in Georgia, an increase of 329%.
84,556 people
Vera: Black people as share of jail and prison populations Statistic
In Georgia, Black people constituted 32% of state residents, but 51% of people in jail and 60% of people in prison.
60% vs. percent of state population
Women in jail increased 1,107% since 1980 Trend
Since 1980, the number of women in jail in Georgia has increased 1,107%.
Women in prison increased 600% since 1980 Trend
Since 1980, the number of women in prison in Georgia has increased 600%.
Women in Georgia prisons sevenfold increase Trend
The number of women in Georgia's prisons has increased more than sevenfold, from 497 in 1978 to 3,779 in 2017.
Women in Georgia jails 23-fold increase Trend
The number of women in Georgia's jails has increased more than 23-fold, from 227 in 1970 to 5,228 in 2015.
Vera: Black jail incarceration rate decreased 28% since 1990 Trend
Since 1990, the Black incarceration rate in Georgia jails has decreased 28 percent. In 2015, Black people were incarcerated in jails at 2.1 times the rate of white people.
Vera: Black prison incarceration rate increased 79% since 1978 Trend
Since 1978, the Black incarceration rate in Georgia prisons has increased 79 percent. In 2017, Black people were incarcerated in prisons at 2.7 times the rate of white people.
Incarceration is not only an urban phenomenon Finding
On a per capita basis, the most rural places in Georgia often lock up the most people in jail and send the most people to prison. The highest rates of prison admissions are in rural counties.
Pretrial detention increasing in rural Georgia counties Trend
Since 2000, the pretrial incarceration rate has increased 33% in Georgia's 85 rural counties and 9% in its 45 small/medium counties, while decreasing 46% in its one urban county and 1% in its 28 suburban counties.
Vera: White population share vs jail and prison share Statistic
In Georgia, white people constituted 54% of state residents but 41% of people in jail and 36% of people in prison.
36% vs. percent of state population (white)
Vera: Latino population share vs jail and prison share Statistic
In Georgia, Latino people constituted 9% of state residents but 7% of people in jail and 4% of people in prison.
4% vs. percent of state population (Latino)
National context: 1 in 5 Black people born in 2001 likely to be incarcerated Statistic
One in five Black people born in 2001 is likely to be incarcerated in their lifetime, compared to one in 10 Latinx people and one in 29 white people.
20% vs. percent lifetime incarceration probability (white)
National context: Latinx data misclassification Data gap
Common data misclassification leads to distorted, lower estimates of Latinx incarceration rates and distorted, higher estimates of white incarceration rates. Smaller and inconsistent data reporting make it difficult to measure the effects of racism …
Georgia drug overdose deaths in 2022 Statistic
In Georgia in 2022, 2,752 people died from drug overdoses.
2,752 deaths
Georgia alcohol-induced deaths in 2022 Statistic
In Georgia in 2022, 2,360 deaths were alcohol induced.
2,360 deaths
Georgia suicides in 2022 Statistic
In Georgia in 2022, 1,620 people died by suicide.
1,620 deaths
Georgia homicide deaths in 2022 Statistic
In Georgia in 2022, 1,234 people were victims of homicide.
1,234 deaths
More people die from drugs, suicide, alcohol than homicide nationally Finding
Nationally, four times more people died of drug overdoses and almost twice as many people died from suicide compared to homicide in 2022.
Behavioral health provider shortage projected by 2036 Finding
By 2036, the projected number of addiction counselors, mental health counselors, and psychologists in Georgia is estimated to be less than the projected need.
Fentanyl/tramadol as share of Georgia drug overdose deaths Statistic
In 2022, 43 percent of drug overdose deaths in Georgia were due to fentanyl or tramadol. There were 5.7 times more fentanyl deaths in 2022 than in 2015.
43% vs. times more fentanyl deaths than 2015
Methamphetamine treatment admissions in Georgia Statistic
In 2022, 7,548 people in Georgia were admitted to substance abuse treatment facilities for methamphetamine use.
7,548 admissions
Marijuana treatment admissions in Georgia Statistic
In 2022, 7,467 people in Georgia were admitted to substance abuse treatment facilities for marijuana use.
7,467 admissions
Alcohol treatment admissions in Georgia Statistic
In 2022, 5,491 people in Georgia were admitted to substance abuse treatment facilities for alcohol use.
5,491 admissions
Adults experiencing mental illness in Georgia Statistic
1,872,000 adults in Georgia experienced mental illness in 2021.
1,872,000 adults
Adults experiencing serious mental illness in Georgia Statistic
426,000 adults in Georgia experienced serious mental illness in 2021.
426,000 adults
Adults receiving mental health services in Georgia Statistic
1,254,000 adults in Georgia received mental health services of any kind in 2021.
1,254,000 adults
Adults needing but not receiving substance use treatment Statistic
1,219,000 adults in Georgia needed, but did not receive, treatment at a specialized facility for substance use in 2021.
1,219,000 adults
Georgia uninsured rate decreased Trend
Since 2012, the share of people in Georgia without health insurance has decreased from 18.4 percent to 11.7 percent of the total community population.
Homelessness in Georgia Statistic
10,689 people in Georgia were experiencing homelessness in January 2022, a rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, the 24th lowest in the country.
10,689 people experiencing homelessness
Georgia unemployment rate Statistic
186,017 people in Georgia were unemployed in August 2023, a community unemployment rate of 3.5 percent, the 16th lowest in the country.
3.5%
Georgia poverty rate Statistic
1,348,344 people in Georgia had incomes below the federal poverty level in 2022, a rate of 12.7 percent, 0.1 percentage points above the national poverty rate of 12.6 percent.
12.7% vs. national poverty rate
Severe rent burden in Georgia Statistic
In Georgia in 2022, 341,175 people (27 percent of all renters) had rent that was more than half their incomes.
341,175 people (27% of renters)
Violent crime change in Georgia 2019-2022 Finding
Between 2019 and 2022, violent crime rose in Georgia (among 18 states where it rose, while it fell in 32 states plus D.C.).
Property crime incidents in Georgia 2022 Statistic
There were 184,513 property index crime incidents reported to police in Georgia in 2022. Georgia had the 20th-lowest property crime rate in the country.
184,513 incidents
Violent crime incidents in Georgia 2022 Statistic
There were 40,048 violent index crime incidents reported to police in Georgia in 2022. Georgia had the 25th-highest violent crime rate in the country.
40,048 incidents
Georgia property crime rate vs national average Statistic
In 2022, the property crime rate in Georgia (1,691 per 100,000 residents) was 13 percent lower than the national average (1,954 per 100,000).
1,691 per 100,000 residents vs. national average per 100,000
Property crime decreased 51% in Georgia 2012-2022 Trend
Between 2012 and 2022, property crime decreased by 51 percent in Georgia, compared to a 32 percent national decrease.
Burglary decreased 75% in Georgia 2012-2022 Trend
Burglary in Georgia decreased by 75 percent between 2012 and 2022, the largest change of any property crime.
Georgia violent crime rate vs national average Statistic
In 2022, the violent crime rate in Georgia (367 per 100,000 residents) was 4 percent lower than the national average (381 per 100,000).
367 per 100,000 residents vs. national average per 100,000
Violent crime decreased 4% in Georgia 2012-2022 Trend
Between 2012 and 2022, violent crime decreased by 4 percent in Georgia, compared to a 2 percent national decrease.
Rape increased 68% in Georgia 2012-2022 Trend
Rape in Georgia increased by 68 percent between 2012 and 2022, the largest change of any violent crime. Note: FBI updated its rape definition in 2013 to be more inclusive.
Robbery decreased 66% in Georgia 2012-2022 Trend
Robbery in Georgia decreased by 66 percent between 2012 and 2022.
Rural homicide increase nationally Trend
Nationally, homicides in rural areas increased 41 percent between 2012 and 2022, from 3.4 per 100,000 to 4.8 per 100,000.
Unsolved violent crime rate in Georgia Statistic
In Georgia, 68 percent of violent crimes were not solved in 2022, 6 percentage points worse than the national average of 62 percent.
68% vs. percent unsolved nationally
Rape least frequently solved violent crime in Georgia Statistic
Rape was the violent crime least frequently solved in Georgia in 2022, with 80 percent of incidents reported to police not solved.
80%
Only 42% of violent victimizations reported to police Statistic
According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, only 42 percent of violent victimizations nationwide were reported to the police in 2022.
42%
Black people 1.9x more likely to be violent crime victims in Georgia Statistic
Black people were victims of violent crime 1.9 times more often than their share of the state population in Georgia in 2022.
1.9x times overrepresented
Young adults 1.8x more likely to be violent crime victims Statistic
People between the ages of 18 and 34 were 1.8 times more likely to be victims of violent crime relative to their share of the total Georgia population in 2022.
1.8x times overrepresented
82% of violent crime victims same race as perpetrator Statistic
In Georgia, 82 percent of victims of violent crime were of the same race as the person perpetrating violence against them.
82%
Georgia law enforcement expenditures 2021 Statistic
In 2021, state and local governments in Georgia spent $3,222,875,000 on law enforcement services, 3.0 percent of overall expenditures and $299 per resident.
$3.2B vs. dollars per resident
Georgia corrections expenditures 2021 Statistic
In 2021, state and local governments in Georgia spent $2,120,035,000 on corrections, 2.0 percent of overall expenditures and $197 per resident.
$2.1B vs. dollars per resident
Black people arrested for violent crimes 2.0x their population share in Georgia Statistic
Black people were arrested for violent offenses 2.0 times more often than their share of the state population in Georgia in 2022.
2.0x times overrepresented
Young adults 2.2x more likely to be arrested for violent offenses Statistic
People between the ages of 18 and 34 were 2.2 times more likely to be arrested for violent offenses relative to their share of the total Georgia population.
2.2x times overrepresented
Men arrested for violent crime 1.6x their population share Statistic
Men were arrested for violent crime 1.6 times more often than their share of the state population in Georgia.
1.6x times overrepresented
Nationally 71% of jail detainees unconvicted in 2021 Statistic
In 2021, 71 percent of people (440,000 people) confined in jail in the United States were not convicted of a crime and awaiting court action on a current charge or being held for other reasons.
71% vs. percent unconvicted in 1982
Georgia nonviolent prison population decreased 35% (2010-2020) Trend
Between 2010 and 2020 in Georgia, the prison population serving sentences for nonviolent offenses decreased by 35 percent, while the prison population serving sentences for violent offenses decreased by 4 percent.
Average length of stay for violent offenses in Georgia Statistic
In 2020, the average length of stay of people released from prison who were serving time for a violent offense in Georgia was 4.9 years, 2 percent lower than the national average of 5.0 years.
4.9 years vs. national average years
Georgia highest probation supervision rate in country Finding
Georgia had the highest probation supervision rate in the country in 2021.
Georgia probation population decreased 24% since 2011 Trend
Since 2011, the number of people on probation in Georgia has decreased by 24 percent.
Parole eligible prison population in Georgia Statistic
In Georgia in 2020, there were at least 11,827 people in prison with sentences between 1 and 25 years who were eligible for parole, making up 46 percent of the total prison population.
11,827 people eligible for parole vs. percent of total prison population
Conditional release rate from Georgia prisons Statistic
In 2020, 44 percent of people leaving prison in Georgia were granted conditional release.
44%
Released 3+ years after parole eligibility Statistic
11 percent of people released from Georgia prisons were released 3 years or more after their parole eligibility date.
11%
Georgia parole population decreased 33% since 2011 Trend
Since 2011, the number of people on parole in Georgia has decreased by 33 percent.
Parole successful completion rate in Georgia Trend
The share of people successfully completing parole in Georgia was 75 percent in 2021, down from 78 percent in 2011.
Prison admissions for parole violations in Georgia Statistic
In 2021, 16 percent of Georgia prison admissions were for parole violations. Of these, 39 percent were for technical violations.
16% vs. percent technical violations
National recidivism: 71% arrested within 5 years of release Statistic
Of people released from prison in 2012, 71 percent were arrested within 5 years of release, 54 percent were convicted of a new offense, and 46 percent returned to prison.
71%
National recidivism rate decreasing Trend
Nationally, the recidivism rate has been decreasing: 77 percent of people released from state prison in 2005 were arrested within 5 years, compared to 70 percent of people released in 2012.
Georgia prison reincarceration rate not available Data gap
The prison reincarceration rate in Georgia is not available.
Georgia probation incarceration rate not available Data gap
The probation incarceration rate in Georgia is not available.
Employment-related collateral consequences in Georgia Statistic
In Georgia, 80 percent of collateral consequences for convictions are employment related. 45 percent are mandatory and prohibit employment without exception. 62 percent may be indefinite in duration.
80%
National Black-White arrest disparity grew 2012-2022 Trend
Nationally, the arrest rate disparity between Black and White individuals grew from 2.0x in 2012 to 2.3x in 2022 (a 15% increase), while disparities in non-fatal violent victimization decreased from 1.4x to 0.9x (a 36% decrease).
National Black-White prison disparity Trend
Nationally, the prison incarceration rate remains over 5 times higher for the Black population compared to the White population, though the disparity decreased from 6.5x in 2012 to 5.2x in 2022.
National Black-White parole disparity Trend
Nationally, the parole supervision rate in the Black community remains over 3 times higher than in the White population, though the disparity decreased from 4.9x in 2012 to 3.2x in 2022.
Black unemployment disparity in Georgia Statistic
In Georgia in 2023, the Black unemployment rate was 2.6 times higher and the Latino unemployment rate was 1.6 times higher than the White unemployment rate.
2.6x times higher (Black vs White) vs. times higher (Latino vs White)
Black and Latino poverty rates in Georgia Statistic
In Georgia in 2022, 18 percent of Black people and 16 percent of Latino people earned incomes below the federal poverty level.
18% vs. percent (Latino poverty rate)
White people die at higher rate than Black people from drugs, alcohol, suicide in Georgia Finding
In Georgia in 2021, White people died at a higher rate than Black people due to alcohol, drug overdoses, and suicide. Black people died at a higher rate than White people due to homicide.
Black violent victimization rate 3.2x White rate in Georgia Statistic
In 2022, the Black violent victimization rate was 3.2 times higher than the White violent victimization rate in Georgia. Black people were arrested for violent crimes at a rate 3.9 times higher than White people.
3.2x times higher victimization rate vs. times higher arrest rate
Black property crime arrest disparity in Georgia Statistic
In 2022, Black people were arrested for property crimes at a rate 1.6 times higher than White people in Georgia.
1.6x times higher
National homicide disparity: Black victims 8x rate of White victims Statistic
In 2021, Black people died by homicide at a rate close to 8 times higher than White people nationally.
8.0x times higher rate
Homicides of Black victims twice as likely to go unsolved Statistic
Nationally, homicides of Black victims were twice as likely to go unsolved in 2021 as homicides of White victims.
2.0x times more likely unsolved
Black adults in Georgia 4.0x more likely to be arrested than White adults Statistic
Compared to White adults, Black adults in Georgia are 4.0 times more likely to be arrested, 1.6 times more likely to be on probation, 2.6 times more likely to be in prison, and 2.1 times more likely to be on parole.
4.0x times more likely to be arrested
Black adults in Georgia 2.6x more likely to be in prison Statistic
Compared to White adults, Black adults in Georgia are 2.6 times more likely to be in prison.
2.6x times more likely
Latino adults underrepresented in Georgia correctional system Statistic
Compared to White adults, Latino adults in Georgia are 76% less likely to be on probation, 44% less likely to be in prison, and 32% less likely to be on parole.
-44%
Asian adults 90% less likely to be in prison in Georgia Statistic
Compared to White adults, Asian adults in Georgia are 80% less likely to be arrested and 90% less likely to be in prison.
-90%
Black Americans incarcerated at nearly 5x rate of White Americans nationally Statistic
Black Americans are incarcerated in state prisons at nearly 5 times the rate of white Americans nationally.
5.0x times the white rate (approximately)
One in 81 Black adults nationally in state prison Statistic
One in 81 Black adults nationally serves time in state prison.
1.2%
Latinx incarceration rate 1.3x White rate nationally Statistic
Latinx individuals face incarceration at 1.3 times the rate of white Americans nationally.
1.3x times the white rate
Seven states with Black-to-White disparity exceeding 9:1 Statistic
7 states have Black-to-white disparities exceeding 9:1 (California, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Wisconsin).
9 to 1 ratio (minimum)
Georgia youth serving life or virtual life sentences Statistic
Approximately 900 youth in Georgia are serving life with parole or 'virtual' life sentences (50+ years).
900 youth (approximately)
80% of youth serving life sentences in Georgia are Black Statistic
80% of those serving life sentences for crimes committed as children in Georgia are Black.
80%
Georgia ranks 3rd nationally for youth serving life/virtual life Statistic
Georgia ranks 3rd nationally for young people serving life or virtual life sentences.
3 national rank
Some youth sentenced as young as 14 in Georgia Case detail
Some individuals serving life or virtual life sentences in Georgia were as young as 14 when charged.
Youth life sentences represent 11% of Georgia residents serving such sentences Statistic
Youth serving life or virtual life sentences represent 11% of all Georgia residents serving these sentences.
11%
Georgia should restore voting rights to over 249,000 citizens Finding
The Sentencing Project recommends Georgia restore voting rights to over 249,000 citizens.
Discriminatory practices at all stages of justice process Finding
Studies have found that Black people are more likely to be stopped by the police, detained pretrial, charged with more serious crimes, and sentenced more harshly than white people—even when controlling for offense severity.
National context: Black men 13% of male population, 35% of incarcerated Statistic
Black men constitute about 13 percent of the male population, but about 35 percent of those incarcerated nationally.
35% vs. percent of male population
Corrections staffing shortages nationwide Finding
Nationally, states are struggling to hire and retain corrections officers. Staffing shortages impact correctional system operations, the availability of programming and reentry services, as well as the overall safety of staff and people who are inca…
Latino ethnicity data collection gap in law enforcement Data gap
Not enough law enforcement agencies collect ethnicity data to make reliable estimates for the Latino population. Race categories include people of any ethnicity, and many Latino people may be counted as White.
Women now one in four jail admissions nationally Trend
Women now make up almost one out of every four jail admissions nationally, up from fewer than one in 10 in 1983. Since 1970, the number of women in U.S. jails has increased 14-fold.
Georgia 3rd in Southern Region for total incarceration Statistic
Georgia ranks 3rd of 7 in the Southern Region for total incarceration.
3 regional rank of 7
Sources
35 cited sources backing this research.
Secondary
Data portal
Tertiary
Press release
Arnold Ventures (funder acknowledgment for Vera Institute report)
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Data portal
Tertiary
Official report
Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant No. 2019-ZB-BX-K002 (CSG Justice Center funding)
Primary
Data portal
Bureau of Justice Statistics Census of Jails
Primary
Data portal
Bureau of Justice Statistics Jail Inmates Series
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Data portal
Secondary
Official report
Council of State Governments Justice Center: Georgia Criminal Justice Data Snapshot
Secondary
Data portal
Council on Criminal Justice: Tracking the Size of America's Criminal Justice System
Primary
Official report
CSG Justice Center: Supervision Violations and Their Impact on Incarceration
Secondary
Official report
CSG: Georgia Criminal Justice Data Snapshot
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Data portal
Jacob Kaplan - Cleaned FBI Offenses Known and Clearances by Arrest Dataset
Primary
Data portal
Secondary
Data portal
Primary
Data portal
Secondary
Data portal
Secondary
Official report
Prison Policy Initiative: Georgia State Profile (2024-2025)
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Data portal
Secondary
Official report
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Data portal
Secondary
Official report
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Bibb County Sheriff's Office
[facility]
Bureau of Justice Statistics
[organization]
College Park Police Department
[facility]
Council of State Governments Justice Center
[organization]
East Point Police Department
[facility]
Federal Bureau of Investigation
[organization]
Georgia
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles
[organization]
Prison Policy Initiative
[organization]
The Sentencing Project
[organization]
Vera Institute of Justice
[organization]