Demographics & Context

Racial Disparities in Georgia\'s Criminal Justice System

127 Data Points 35 Sources 12 Entities Research Date: Feb 25, 2026

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.

Where this research is used

This page is a research collection: individual facts drawn from the sources listed further down, each traced to where it came from. A research topic brings many collections together into one overview of an issue. The facts on this page feed these 6 topics; open one to see how they fit with the rest of the evidence.

Facility Conditions & Infrastructure

Georgia's prison system is physically failing: a stock of buildings whose average age exceeds 30 years and whose design life the state's own commissioner puts at 15 to 20, run at multiples of their original design capacity, with locks that do not lock, plumbing that does not drain, mold that is not removed and housing that is not cooled. A 2024 federal findings report, a 2024 Senate study committee and a December 2024 consultant assessment all reached the same conclusion in different words — that the physical plant is an emergency. The state's answer has been a $600 million construction-and-repair program whose own timelines, the commissioner has said, will run years past the funding window.

11,131 data points

Parole & Sentencing

Parole in Georgia is a discretionary act of executive clemency, and the record shows that discretion narrowing to the point of near-refusal: parole releases fell from 16,772 in fiscal 1991 to 5,588 in fiscal 2025, the overall grant rate dropped from 38 percent in 2019 to 28 percent in 2024, and the life-sentence grant rate sits between 4.5 and 5.4 percent. Over the same decades the average time served before release on a life sentence rose from under nine years in 1973 to 29.6 years in fiscal 2025. The Board's own reports also leave contradictions unresolved — year-shifted tables, a fluctuating time-served series, and a life-decision volume that tripled while grants fell.

11,852 data points

Policy & Advocacy

Georgia's policy and advocacy landscape is defined by a paradox: a decade of bipartisan sentencing reform that measurably reduced incarceration and racial disparity, followed by a sharp reversal toward prison construction, surveillance technology, and record spending attached to no independent oversight. Legislative victories on wrongful conviction compensation, survivor justice, and out-of-time appeals sit alongside bills that died in the last minutes of session — an independent prison ombudsman, restrictive housing limits, parole transparency — and a post-conviction system the Chief Justice of Georgia calls 'a mess' that only the legislature can fix. The 2026 statewide elections and an unresolved federal investigation are the two live pressure points advocates are organizing around.

7,412 data points

Population & Demographics

Georgia's prison population has travelled from roughly 3,000 people in 1925 to a peak above 54,000, and now sits somewhere between 47,000 and 53,000 depending on which counting rule is used. That population is about 60 percent Black in a state that is about 33 percent Black, is aging faster than the national average, and holds a life-sentenced population that grew while the rest of the country's shrank. This page assembles the trend lines, the demographic splits, and the definitional disagreements that make Georgia's population numbers hard to pin down.

7,570 data points

Racial Disparities

Black Georgians are roughly a third of the state's population and roughly 60 percent of its prisoners, a gap that widens at every deeper point in the system — arrest, conviction, life sentences, solitary confinement, and exoneration. This page assembles the measured disparity across 23 GPS research collections, from the Black Codes and convict leasing to 2025 prison admissions data, and flags where Georgia's own reporting stops short of what the numbers would require.

2,134 data points

Staffing Crisis

Georgia's prison system has run correctional officer vacancy rates above 50 percent since 2021, with ten of its largest facilities above 70 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Justice's October 2024 findings and the state's own budget testimony. Turnover compounds the shortfall: 82.7 percent of officers hired between January 2021 and November 2024 left within a year, and Georgia ranks last among the 50 states in correctional officer pay. Federal investigators, state-hired consultants and the Georgia Senate Study Committee have each identified staffing as the primary mechanism behind the violence, delayed medical response and unchecked gang control documented inside the system.

9,994 data points

881 Georgia overall incarceration rate 95,000 Total people behind bars in Georgia 102,000 Georgia residents locked up across all facility t… 236,000 Annual local jail bookings in Georgia 528,000 Georgia residents under criminal justice supervis… 356,000 People on probation or parole in Georgia

Key Findings

The most impactful data from this research collection. Tap a card for the full finding, GPS commentary on why it matters, and its source.

All 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

demographics facilities

Total people behind bars in Georgia Statistic

95,000 people are currently behind bars in Georgia.

95,000 people

demographics facilities

Georgia residents locked up across all facility types Statistic

102,000 Georgia residents are locked up across all facility types.

102,000 people

demographics facilities

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

demographics facilities

Georgia residents under criminal justice supervision Statistic

528,000 Georgia residents are under criminal justice supervision.

528,000 people

demographics parole

People on probation or parole in Georgia Statistic

356,000 people are on probation or parole in Georgia.

356,000 people

parole demographics

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

demographics policy

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.

demographics policy

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. 31 percent of state population

demographics

More than half of Georgians on parole are Black Statistic

More than half of Georgians on parole are Black.

50%

demographics parole

Women's incarceration rate in Georgia Statistic

Women's incarceration rate in Georgia is 177 per 100,000 residents.

177 per 100,000 residents

demographics

Women on probation or parole in Georgia Statistic

82,206 women are on probation or parole in Georgia.

82,206 women

demographics parole

Legally innocent people in Georgia jails Statistic

59% of people in Georgia jails are legally innocent (unconvicted).

59%

legal conditions

Homeless individuals in Atlanta jail bookings Statistic

1 in 8 Atlanta city jail bookings involve homeless individuals.

12.5%

demographics conditions

Aging prison population in Georgia Statistic

13% of the Georgia prison population is over age 55.

13%

demographics medical

Healthcare copay in Georgia prisons Policy

Healthcare copay in Georgia prisons is $5.00 per visit.

medical policy budget

E-messaging costs in Georgia prisons Policy

E-messaging in Georgia prisons costs up to 30 cents per message.

conditions policy budget

Jail phone call costs in Georgia Statistic

Jail phone calls in Georgia cost up to $4.65 for 15 minutes.

$4.65

conditions budget

Prison phone call costs in Georgia Statistic

Prison phone calls in Georgia cost $2.10 for 15 minutes.

$2.10

conditions budget

Money transfer fees in Georgia prisons Statistic

Money transfer fees in Georgia prisons are up to 18%.

18%

conditions budget

Georgia prison population increase 2021-2023 Trend

Georgia's prison population increased 7% between 2021 and 2023.

demographics facilities

Parole board releases declined since pandemic Trend

Georgia's parole board releases 34% fewer people since the pandemic, with 44% fewer hearings.

parole policy

Vera: Jail population increase since 1970 Trend

Since 1970, Georgia's total jail population has increased 1,562%.

demographics facilities

Vera: Pretrial detainees as share of jail population Statistic

In 2015, pretrial detainees constituted 56% of the total jail population in Georgia.

56%

legal demographics

Vera: Prison custody population increase since 1983 Trend

Since 1983, Georgia's prison custody population has increased 222%.

demographics facilities

Vera: Georgia prison population in 2018 Statistic

In 2018, there were 49,488 people in the Georgia prison system.

49,488 people

demographics facilities

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

demographics facilities

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. 32 percent of state population

demographics

Women in jail increased 1,107% since 1980 Trend

Since 1980, the number of women in jail in Georgia has increased 1,107%.

demographics

Women in prison increased 600% since 1980 Trend

Since 1980, the number of women in prison in Georgia has increased 600%.

demographics

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.

demographics

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.

demographics

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.

demographics

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.

demographics

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.

demographics facilities

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.

demographics facilities legal

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. 54 percent of state population (white)

demographics

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. 9 percent of state population (Latino)

demographics

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. 3.4 percent lifetime incarceration probability (white)

demographics

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 for incarcerated people of other racial groups.

demographics policy

Georgia drug overdose deaths in 2022 Statistic

In Georgia in 2022, 2,752 people died from drug overdoses.

2,752 deaths

overdose death drugs

Georgia alcohol-induced deaths in 2022 Statistic

In Georgia in 2022, 2,360 deaths were alcohol induced.

2,360 deaths

death drugs

Georgia suicides in 2022 Statistic

In Georgia in 2022, 1,620 people died by suicide.

1,620 deaths

death mental_health

Georgia homicide deaths in 2022 Statistic

In Georgia in 2022, 1,234 people were victims of homicide.

1,234 deaths

death violence

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.

overdose death mental_health

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.

mental_health staffing

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. 5.7 times more fentanyl deaths than 2015

overdose death drugs

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

drugs medical

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

drugs medical

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

drugs medical

Adults experiencing mental illness in Georgia Statistic

1,872,000 adults in Georgia experienced mental illness in 2021.

1,872,000 adults

mental_health

Adults experiencing serious mental illness in Georgia Statistic

426,000 adults in Georgia experienced serious mental illness in 2021.

426,000 adults

mental_health

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

mental_health medical

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

drugs medical data_gap

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.

medical

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

conditions demographics

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%

demographics reentry

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. 12.6 national poverty rate

demographics

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)

demographics conditions

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.).

violence

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

violence

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

violence

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. 1,954 national average per 100,000

violence

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.

violence

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.

violence

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. 381 national average per 100,000

violence

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.

violence

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.

violence

Robbery decreased 66% in Georgia 2012-2022 Trend

Robbery in Georgia decreased by 66 percent between 2012 and 2022.

violence

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.

violence demographics

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. 62 percent unsolved nationally

violence operations

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%

violence

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%

violence data_gap

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

violence demographics

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

violence demographics

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%

violence demographics

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. 299 dollars per resident

budget

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. 197 dollars per resident

budget

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

violence demographics

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

violence demographics

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

violence demographics

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. 57 percent unconvicted in 1982

legal conditions

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.

demographics

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. 5 national average years

demographics legal

Georgia highest probation supervision rate in country Finding

Georgia had the highest probation supervision rate in the country in 2021.

parole policy

Georgia probation population decreased 24% since 2011 Trend

Since 2011, the number of people on probation in Georgia has decreased by 24 percent.

parole

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. 46 percent of total prison population

parole demographics

Conditional release rate from Georgia prisons Statistic

In 2020, 44 percent of people leaving prison in Georgia were granted conditional release.

44%

parole

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%

parole

Georgia parole population decreased 33% since 2011 Trend

Since 2011, the number of people on parole in Georgia has decreased by 33 percent.

parole

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.

parole reentry

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. 39 percent technical violations

parole

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%

reentry

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.

reentry

Georgia prison reincarceration rate not available Data gap

The prison reincarceration rate in Georgia is not available.

reentry data_gap

Georgia probation incarceration rate not available Data gap

The probation incarceration rate in Georgia is not available.

reentry data_gap

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%

reentry legal policy

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).

demographics violence

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.

demographics

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.

demographics parole

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. 1.6 times higher (Latino vs White)

demographics reentry

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. 16 percent (Latino poverty rate)

demographics

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.

death drugs overdose demographics

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. 3.9 times higher arrest rate

violence demographics

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

demographics

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

death violence demographics

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

death violence demographics

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

demographics parole

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

demographics

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%

demographics

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%

demographics

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)

demographics

One in 81 Black adults nationally in state prison Statistic

One in 81 Black adults nationally serves time in state prison.

1.2%

demographics

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

demographics

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)

demographics

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)

demographics legal

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%

demographics legal

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

demographics legal

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.

demographics legal

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%

demographics legal

Georgia should restore voting rights to over 249,000 citizens Finding

The Sentencing Project recommends Georgia restore voting rights to over 249,000 citizens.

legal policy reentry

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.

demographics legal policy

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. 13 percent of male population

demographics

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 incarcerated.

staffing

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.

demographics data_gap

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.

demographics

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

demographics facilities

Sources

35 cited sources backing this research.

Secondary Data portal

AH Datalytics YTD Murder Comparison

— AH Datalytics (Nov 13, 2023)

Tertiary Press release

Arnold Ventures (funder acknowledgment for Vera Institute report)

— Arnold Ventures

Primary Data portal

BJS Annual Survey of Jails

— Bureau of Justice Statistics (Jan 1, 2021)

Primary Data portal

BJS National Corrections Reporting Program

— Bureau of Justice Statistics (Jan 1, 2020)

Primary Data portal

BJS National Crime Victimization Survey

— Bureau of Justice Statistics (Jan 1, 2022)

Primary Official report

BJS Prisoners in the United States

— Bureau of Justice Statistics (Jan 1, 2021)

Primary Official report

BJS Probation and Parole in the United States

— Bureau of Justice Statistics (Jan 1, 2021)

Primary Official report

BJS Recidivism of Prisoners Released in 34 States in 2012

— Bureau of Justice Statistics (Jan 1, 2012)

Primary Data portal

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

— Bureau of Labor Statistics (Jan 1, 2022)

Tertiary Official report

Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant No. 2019-ZB-BX-K002 (CSG Justice Center funding)

— Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice

Primary Data portal

Bureau of Justice Statistics Census of Jails

— Bureau of Justice Statistics

Primary Data portal

Bureau of Justice Statistics Jail Inmates Series

— Bureau of Justice Statistics

Primary Data portal

Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)

— Bureau of Labor Statistics (Jan 1, 2023)

Primary Data portal

CDC National Center for Health Statistics

— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Jan 1, 2022)

Secondary Official report

Council of State Governments Justice Center: Georgia Criminal Justice Data Snapshot

Matt Herman, Amund Tallaksen, Myles Moore, Madeleine Dardeau — Council of State Governments Justice Center (Dec 1, 2023)

Secondary Data portal

Council on Criminal Justice: Tracking the Size of America's Criminal Justice System

— Council on Criminal Justice (Jan 1, 2020)

Primary Official report

CSG Justice Center: Supervision Violations and Their Impact on Incarceration

— Council of State Governments Justice Center (Jan 1, 2024)

Secondary Official report

CSG: Georgia Criminal Justice Data Snapshot

Matt Herman, Amund Tallaksen, Myles Moore, Madeleine Dardeau — Council of State Governments Justice Center (Dec 1, 2023)

Primary Data portal

FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program NIBRS

— Federal Bureau of Investigation / Bureau of Justice Statistics (Jan 1, 2022)

Primary Data portal

FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program SRS

— Federal Bureau of Investigation (Jan 1, 2022)

Primary Data portal

Georgia Department of Corrections Statistical Trends Reports

— Georgia Department of Corrections

Primary Data portal

HRSA National Center for Health Workforce Analysis

— Health Resources & Services Administration (Jan 1, 2023)

Primary Official report

HUD Annual Homelessness Assessment Report

— U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Jan 1, 2022)

Secondary Data portal

Jacob Kaplan - Cleaned FBI Offenses Known and Clearances by Arrest Dataset

Jacob Kaplan

Primary Data portal

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: Age-Adjusted Homicide Death Rates by Race and Sex 1980-2021

— Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (Jan 1, 2021)

Secondary Data portal

Murder Accountability Project

— Murder Accountability Project (Jan 1, 2022)

Primary Data portal

National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Conviction

— National Reentry Resource Center (Jan 1, 2023)

Secondary Data portal

Prison Policy Initiative, Georgia Profile

— Prison Policy Initiative

Secondary Official report

Prison Policy Initiative: Georgia State Profile (2024-2025)

— Prison Policy Initiative

Primary Data portal

SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health

— Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Jan 1, 2021)

Primary Data portal

SAMHSA Treatment Episode Data Set

— Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Jan 1, 2022)

Secondary Official report

The Sentencing Project: Racial Disparities Data

— The Sentencing Project (Jan 1, 2024)

Primary Data portal

U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey

— U.S. Census Bureau (Jan 1, 2022)

Primary Data portal

U.S. Census Bureau Annual Survey of State and Local Government Finances

— U.S. Census Bureau (Jan 1, 2022)

Secondary Official report

Vera Institute of Justice: Incarceration Trends in Georgia

Christian Henrichson, Eital Schattner-Elmaleh, Jacob Kang-Brown, Oliver Hinds, James Wallace-Lee — Vera Institute of Justice (Dec 1, 2019)

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]