Is Pooler Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Pooler, Georgia sits in the Lowcountry of Georgia, just west of Savannah.

It’s a blossoming bedroom community with nearly 25% growth in the past 10 years.

The Savannah Hilton Head International Airport is in Pooler, so there’s no worry about finding a hotel.

There are plenty around the airport area and more in the center of the city.

It’s also less than an hour to either Hilton Head or Tybee Island.

Pooler is now also home to the largest IMAX theater in the world with a special Laser function that brings the movie even more to life than traditional IMAX.

Shopping is plentiful, whether you want to hit the outlets or shop at an open-air mall.

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth is also located in Pooler, with group tours and VIP events available.

You can see a fully renovated B-17 used by the Mighty Eighth.

There’s a memorial garden to pay tribute to the men who risked their lives and you can toast to them at the attached English-style pub.

This is a great place to stay to avoid the tourist crowds of the beaches and enjoy lower prices than nearby Savannah.

It’s also a safe community with low crime numbers.

It’s the quintessential Southern town that might be getting a little big for its britches as the increased traffic shows.

Warnings & Dangers in Pooler

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low overall risk in Pooler. Crime numbers are low and there's a lot to do in town and in the surrounding area.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

There isn't a public transportation system in Pooler and the county service doesn't come to Pooler. You can catch plenty of taxis being so close to the airport. Rideshares are available too. It's a low risk, whatever you choose, but if you can get a car of your own it would be beneficial.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

It's interesting that there were no pickpockets in 2020 but there were three purse snatchings. There's still a low risk, but avoid carrying around a bulky purse.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

You're going to get thunderstorms at times and they might get strong enough for a tornado. Being a little bit inland, Pooler doesn't get the direct hit of the hurricanes like Savannah and Tybee Island, but it's still a threat with heavy rains and strong, relentless winds. It's a medium risk if the weather does develop because it can get really intense.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There's a low risk. Just eight robberies were reported in 2020 and only one was in a public place. This city has a low violent crime rate, so you shouldn't worry about the robbery.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Pooler wouldn't be the direct target, but Savannah and the port might be. In the name of being vigilant, we'll give it a medium risk. Remember the Homeland Security motto - "See Something, Say Something."

SCAMS RISK: LOW

A woman was arrested for an AirBNB scam, but she was accused of stealing from the company, not from people. A few fraudulent credit card thefts were reported. Nothing in the list of scams stands out as directly impacting tourists. There's a low risk.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is somewhat of a woman's dream city with all the shopping and dining options. There's a low risk for danger, but it's worth noting there were five rapes in 2020.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Looking through the 2020 Annual Water Quality Report from the Pooler water utility, there is low risk in the tap water and every test meets or exceeds the state and EPA standards.

Safest Places to Visit in Pooler

Definitely put the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth on your list.

It’s an incredible array of exhibits.

Some are interactive and some are stories told by the men who fought with English forces during World War II.

It’s a humbling moment to see the sacrifices made and the incredible technology they used to help win the war.

Shoppers can get their fix by going to the Tanger Outlets in Pooler.

It’s an open-air mall with discounts from some of the most popular brands.

There are also the Shops at Godley Station just across the road from the outlets.

It’s the traditional big box, nationally known brands area for shopping and dining.

This is a typical suburban shopping area.

While you’re at the outlet mall, the kids will love the Children’s Museum of Pooler.

There are many exhibits for kids of all ages, but I’m particularly fond of the augmented reality sandbox where you can build things that come to life right before your eyes.

Just 20 minutes east of Pooler there’s the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.

Throughout the year, you can see everything from butterflies to bats to blue crabs.

The wildlife options are different during each season.

Tom Triplett Community Park is the most popular park in town and offers hiking and biking trails, a lake for fishing, and a huge disc golf course.

The park is in the middle of expansion plans, so there probably will be more amenities when you visit.

Places to Avoid in Pooler

The highest crime areas, according to crime maps, are in the southeast part of town.

It doesn’t mean you should avoid it, as it’s still an overall relatively safe city.

The city has grown so fast that it sometimes runs out of space.

For example, if you want to visit Tom Triplett Park, get there early or be prepared to walk a while.

The parking lot can fill up fast.

The malls can get very busy on Saturday afternoons and you might be parking at the back of the lot.

Even though it’s a safe community, you want to avoid letting your guard down, especially when it comes to your car.

A quarter of the thefts reported involved thefts from cars.

Lock the doors, roll up the windows, and leave nothing in plain sight.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Pooler

So... How Safe Is Pooler Really?

It’s a safe suburban area.

It might lack a lot of “cool” things to do like Savannah, but it also enjoys a much lower crime rate.

Here are the chances of being a victim of a crime in Pooler:

• Violent Crime: 1 in 714
• Robbery: 1 in 3214
• Theft: 1 in 54
• Theft (taking out shoplifting, which doesn’t impact tourists): 1 in 115

Pooler is a great place to stay if you want a breath of fresh air from the crowded tourist spots.

You should read our article on Savannah to learn more about crime rates there if you’re debating between the two cities.

You’re going to get a lot of the traditional suburban restaurants and shops here.

If you want a place that feels like home, this is a good, safe choice.

How Does Pooler Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

You will present your Visa at Customs when you arrive in the United States. After that, you are free to travel between state and city lines without additional processing.

Currency

You'll use the U.S. Dollar here. Credit cards are widely accepted in Pooler, so there's little need for cash. There are a handful of currency exchange shops in town, but your best bet is to exchange currency at the airport.

Weather

You'll rarely need a thick winter coat in Pooler, but the South can get some random cold spells. Even a half-inch of snow can cripple this community as they aren't used to it or prepared for it. It's very humid here, so wear loose clothing you don't mind getting sweat stains.

Airports

The Savannah Hilton Head Airport is right on the north side of town, so there's no reason to look for another airline option.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a great relief from any weather that could delay impacts. Even a hurricane in Florida can have a ripple effect on air travel into Georgia.

Pooler Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Georgia - Safety by City