Atlanta is 25th "most dangerous city" according to CQ Press

The list uses FBI statistics on murder, robbery, burglary, and other serious crimes.

Atlanta is No. 25.

The metro area – which has a population of more than 5 million -- has 1,150 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents, according to FBI statistics. There are 8,300 property crimes for every 100,000 residents, the FBI said.

The city ranked 18th on the list a year ago, Atlanta police spokesman Carlos Campos pointed out.

"Chief Turner shares Mayor Reed's vision of making Atlanta the safest big city in America. We are not there yet, but we truly believe we are making strides," Campos told the AJC.

It’s unclear whether the FBI’s figures are for an entire metro area or for just it city itself. And, the agency warms against taking rankings and using them to “create perceptions adversely affecting communities and their residents.”

Campos said the police department is using technology, hiring more officers and deploying strategies every day to fight crime -- and that is reflected in lower figures for the major, or Part I, crimes this year compared to the same time a year ago.

"Ultimately, however, it is ensuring our citizens are safe, and feel safe -- not rankings or lists -- that matter most," Campos told the AJC.

Other southern cities on the list include: Birmingham, No. 10; Memphis, at No. 12; New Orleans, No. 13; Jackson, Miss., No. 14; Little Rock No. 15; Baton Rouge,  at No. 16.

At the top of the list is St. Louis, Mo.

In October, the online site walletpop.com reported that Atlanta has the most dangerous neighborhoods among all cities. The report highlights Carter, Marietta, Richardson and Humphries streets as being likely locations of violent crimes.

Walletpop's website said it also used FBI data for its list, but Atlanta police officials said it was not an accurate depiction of the city.

Campos told the AJC at the time that the methodology used in creating the list is flawed.