While Florida is a popular destination for tourists and retirees, like any other state, it does have some cities that have higher crime rates than others. However, it’s important to note that crime rates can change over time and that not all areas of a city may have the same level of safety
- Miami: Miami is the largest city in Florida and has a population of over 450,000 people. It is known for its vibrant culture, nightlife, and beaches. However, it also has a higher-than-average rate of property crime and violent crime. According to recent statistics, Miami has a property crime rate of 41.67 per 1,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 10.34 per 1,000 residents. The most common types of property crime in Miami are theft and burglary, while the most common types of violent crime are assault and robbery.
- Jacksonville: Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida, with a population of over 900,000 people. It is known for its beaches, parks, and museums. However, it has also reported higher crime rates in recent years. Property crime is more common in Jacksonville than violent crime, with a property crime rate of 42.09 per 1,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 7.17 per 1,000 residents. Theft and burglary are the most common types of property crime, while assault and robbery are the most common types of violent crime.
- Orlando: Orlando is a popular tourist destination, known for its theme parks, entertainment, and shopping. However, it also has a higher-than-average crime rate. Property crime is more common in Orlando than violent crime, with a property crime rate of 42.02 per 1,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 4.31 per 1,000 residents. Theft and burglary are the most common types of property crime, while assault and robbery are the most common types of violent crime.
- Daytona Beach: Daytona Beach is a coastal city located in Volusia County, in Florida that has struggled with crime and poverty in some areas. It has a population of around 68,000 people. The city has a high rate of property crime, with a property crime rate of 51.67 per 1,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 8.61 per 1,000 residents. Theft and burglary are the most common types of property crime, while assault and robbery are the most common types of violent crime. The city has made efforts to improve public safety in recent years, but crime rates remain relatively high compared to other cities in Florida.
- Tallahassee: Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida and has a population of around 194,000 people. While it is generally considered a safe city, it has had issues with violent crime in recent years, particularly in some low-income areas. The city has a property crime rate of 41.24 per 1,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 7.23 per 1,000 residents. Theft and burglary are the most common types of property crime, while assault and robbery are the most common types of violent crime
- Opa-locka: Opa-locka is a small city located in Miami-Dade County, with a population of around 16,000 people. The city has struggled with high crime rates for years, and is known for its high levels of drug activity, gang violence, and other criminal activity. According to recent statistics, Opa-locka has a crime rate of 156% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 1,369 incidents per 100,000 people. The most common types of crime in Opa-locka include property crimes like theft, burglary, and vehicle theft, as well as violent crimes like robbery, assault, and homicide.
- Florida City: Florida City is also located in Miami-Dade County, and has a population of around 12,000 people. Like Opa-locka, it has struggled with high levels of crime for years, and has a crime rate that is 122% higher than the national average. The city is known for its high number of property crimes, including theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft, as well as violent crimes like robbery, assault, and homicide.
- Lake City: Lake City is a small city located in Columbia County, in northern Florida. It has a population of around 12,000 people, and a crime rate that is 86% higher than the national average. While the city has a lower population than some of the other cities on this list, it has a high number of both property crimes and violent crimes. Property crimes like theft and burglary are common in Lake City, as are violent crimes like robbery and assault.
- Panama City: Panama City is located in Bay County, on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It has a population of around 36,000 people, and a crime rate that is 51% higher than the national average. The city is known for its beachfront attractions and tourism industry, but it has also experienced high levels of crime in recent years. Property crimes like theft and burglary are common in Panama City, as are violent crimes like robbery and assault. The city has implemented measures to improve public safety, but crime rates remain higher than some other cities in Florida.
It’s worth noting that many cities in Florida are safe, and crime rates can vary widely depending on the neighborhood and other factors. If you have concerns about safety when traveling to Florida, it’s always a good idea to research the area you’ll be visiting and take basic safety precautions like staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas at night.