Is North Richmond County safe?
Augusta, Georgia · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates North Richmond County as “Go”.
Gogo's take on North Richmond County
“Go. North Richmond County is one of the safest and most affluent sectors of the Augusta consolidated metro area, characterized by quiet residential subdivisions, scenic river proximity, and low violent crime rates. Visitors will find plenty of upscale dining and outdoor recreation along the Savannah River and Augusta Canal with minimal safety concerns.”
About the area
North Richmond County encompasses the upper stretch of Augusta bordering Columbia County and the Savannah River, including quiet leafy neighborhoods and busy commercial corridors along Washington Road. It offers a suburban, family-oriented environment with easy access to regional outdoor attractions and golfing landmarks.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Scenic Riverfront
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in North Richmond County
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 36/100
Dedicated bike lanes on surface streets are sparse, but the Augusta Canal Multi-Use Trail provides miles of off-road cycling alongside the river.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are substantially lower than Augusta's citywide averages and well below national benchmarks
- High median household incomes and stable rates of single-family homeownership
- Close proximity to outdoor recreation along the Savannah River and Augusta Canal trail systems
- Well-maintained infrastructure with abundant retail, dining, and healthcare access
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property theft and vehicle break-ins near busy commercial strip malls along Washington Road
- High vehicular traffic and congestion during peak hours and major regional golf events
- Heavily car-dependent with minimal sidewalk coverage through interior residential subdivisions
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is very low in North Richmond County, with isolated panhandling occasionally seen near major highway ramps along Washington Road, far from most residential pockets.
What North Richmond County is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers and dog walkers throughout residential subdivisions and canal trailheads.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy along major arterials like Washington Road and Riverwatch Parkway with steady, safe commercial traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe for outdoor dining at local plazas, with quiet, low-traffic neighborhood streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and generally safe; situational awareness is standard along 24-hour retail and gas station lots on major corridors.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by Augusta Public Transit (APT) with limited bus coverage along major routes like Washington Road; there is no rail or BRT network, making personal vehicles essential for navigation.
Parking is abundant, straightforward, and completely free in strip mall lots, business complexes, and public park trailheads across the area.
Things to do in North Richmond County
- Hike, cycle, or kayak along the historic Augusta Canal National Heritage Area trail
- Browse upscale boutique shops and open-air patios at the Surrey Center
- Enjoy waterfront views and walking paths near the Savannah River bluffs
Local favorites
- French Market Grille · Cajun & Creole Restaurant · 4.6★ (1150)A long-standing local favorite serving authentic New Orleans-style po'boys, crawfish, and gumbo in Surrey Center.
- Rhinehart's Oyster Bar · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (1820)Laid-back, beach-shack-style eatery famous for steamed oysters, wings, and cold drinks on Washington Road.
- The Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweetery · Bakery & Southern Eatery · 4.5★ (2400)Charming spot known throughout the Augusta area for colossal slices of gourmet cakes, pies, and savory sandwiches.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.