Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Florida
Florida is renowned for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. However, it's essential to recognize that some areas in the Sunshine State have higher crime rates than others. In this article, we'll explore the ten most dangerous cities in Florida, considering crime rate statistics and safety concerns.
1. Tallahassee
Population: 196,102 (2021)
Violent Crime Rate: 7.94 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 29.47 per 1,000 residents
Tallahassee, the state capital of Florida, is among the most dangerous cities in the state. At times, it has even ranked among the top ten dangerous cities in the entire country. The city's crime rate exceeds that of 92% of other U.S. cities. Notable high-crime neighborhoods in Tallahassee include Perkins, The Gardens at Westlake, Terrance Heights, Providence, and Falls Chase. Both violent and property crime rates in Tallahassee significantly surpass state averages.
2. Orlando
Population: 309,154 (2021)
Violent Crime Rate: 8.26 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 35.39 per 1,000 residents
Orlando is a city famous for its family-friendly attractions, international cuisine, and numerous theme parks. However, visitors should be cautious, especially in high-crime areas like Pine Hills and Malibu Groves west of downtown Orlando. Orlando's crime statistics, both violent and property crimes, are nearly double the state average.
3. Panama City
Population: 34,045 (2021)
Violent Crime Rate: 9.55 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 42.21 per 1,000 residents
Located on Florida's panhandle along the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City offers beautiful beaches and fresh seafood but faces higher-than-average violent and property crime rates. Violent crime in Panama City is 2.5 times the state average.
4. Lake City
Population: 12,497 (2021)
Violent Crime Rate: 15.92 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 51.85 per 1,000 residents
Lake City, situated between Jacksonville and Tallahassee in northern Florida, is known for its centralized location with highways in all directions. However, it also has one of the highest overall crime rates in the state. The city's low cost of living is juxtaposed with elevated crime rates.
5. Riviera Beach
Population: 38,074 (2021)
Violent Crime Rate: 11.53 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 29.99 per 1,000 residents
Riviera Beach, north of West Palm Beach and part of Florida's Treasure Coast, faces some of the highest crime statistics in the state. The likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime in Riviera Beach is three times higher than the state average.
6. Cocoa
Population: 19,344 (2021)
Violent Crime Rate: 11.01 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 55.42 per 1,000 residents
Located north of Melbourne and southwest of Orlando along the Atlantic Coast, Cocoa has the highest property crime rate in the state and the country. Violent crimes in Cocoa have increased by 18% year-over-year.
7. Lauderhill
Population: 73,458 (2021)
Violent Crime Rate: 8.56 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 24.56 per 1,000 residents
Lauderhill, located in west Broward County in South Florida, has a violent crime rate more than twice the Florida and national averages. Overall, residents are nearly 10 times more likely to be crime victims compared to the median average.
8. Lake Worth
Population: 38,548 (2021)
Violent Crime Rate: 9.39 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 28.50 per 1,000 residents
Lake Worth, with its small Key West-style homes, is sandwiched between West Palm Beach and Delray Beach along the Atlantic Coast in Palm Beach County. Both property and violent crime rates in Lake Worth exceed those of the state and the greater Ft. Lauderdale/Miami/West Palm Beach metro area. Some parts of the city grapple with homelessness.
9. Homestead
Population: 80,528 (2021)
Violent Crime Rate: 7.26 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 20.30 per 1,000 residents
Homestead, located south of Miami and west of Key Biscayne National Park, is known for its air-force base, military presence, and crime rates that surpass national and state averages. Visitors should take precautions to minimize the risk of pickpocketing and related crimes, and it's not uncommon to spot alligators due to the city's proximity to Everglades National Park.
10. Daytona Beach
Population: 74,437 (2021)
Violent Crime Rate: 10.17 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 28.48 per 1,000 residents
Daytona Beach, famous for its speedway and coastal beaches, is a significant tourist destination. However, crime rates in some parts of the city exceed state and national averages. Efforts to reduce crime have resulted in decreasing overall rates in recent years.