Crime is a growing issue in many cities across the United States, and Florida is no exception. Florida has some of the highest crime rates in the nation, and many of its cities are deemed as some of the most dangerous in the country. In this blog post, we’ll be looking at the top 10 most dangerous cities in Florida according to crime rate statistics. From Miami to Orlando, we’ll analyze the risk of living in each of these cities and discuss what measures are being taken to reduce crime.
1) Jacksonville
Located in Duval County, Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida and the largest city by area in the continental United States. Unfortunately, Jacksonville also has one of the highest crime rates in the state. In 2019, there were 17,719 violent crimes reported in Jacksonville, or 7.66 per 1,000 residents. This makes it the second-most dangerous city in the state. While property crimes are not as frequent in Jacksonville, they are still a problem, with an average of 57.71 property crimes reported per 1,000 residents. To combat this issue, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office launched Operation Ceasefire in 2018 to target violent offenders and increase overall safety.
2) Miami
The city of Miami has consistently been ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in Florida. Despite having a population of over 441,000 people, Miami’s violent crime rate is significantly higher than the national average. In 2018, Miami was ranked as the second most dangerous city in Florida with a violent crime rate of 1219 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crime is also relatively high in Miami, with an estimated 35,687 incidents reported in 2018.
The Miami police department takes a proactive approach to tackling crime. They work together with community leaders, business owners, and other local law enforcement agencies to keep the city safe. The department also hosts public events and initiatives such as the “Cops & Kids” program which focuses on youth development and building relationships between police officers and the community. The program also offers education opportunities to children and families to help foster a sense of safety in their neighborhoods.
Despite the efforts of the police department and community organizations, Miami remains a dangerous city and should be avoided if possible. However, if you do find yourself in Miami, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take extra caution when visiting unfamiliar areas.
3) Tampa
Tampa is the third-most dangerous city in Florida. Located on the Gulf Coast, Tampa has a population of over 377,165 people and a violent crime rate of 10.39 per 1,000 residents. The majority of the violent crimes committed in Tampa involve aggravated assault and robbery, although the number of homicides has been decreasing in recent years. The Tampa Police Department takes an active stance against crime by investing in community policing initiatives and increasing officer presence in high-crime neighborhoods. Additionally, the Tampa Police Department works with local organizations to provide resources for victims of violence. Despite their efforts, Tampa remains one of the most dangerous cities in Florida.
4) St. Petersburg
As the fifth-most dangerous city in Florida, St. Petersburg has a population of almost 260,000 people and has seen a significant increase in violent crime. The city’s violent crime rate was 831.2 per 100,000 people in 2018, which is higher than the national average of 383 per 100,000 people.
Property crime is also a major issue in St. Petersburg. In 2018, there were 6,622 reported incidents of property crimes per 100,000 people. This is much higher than the national average of 2,362 property crimes per 100,000 people.
One of the main causes of this high rate of crime is poverty. St. Petersburg has a poverty rate of 18%, which is higher than the national average of 12%. Additionally, the unemployment rate in St. Petersburg is 7.4%, which is higher than the national average of 3.7%.
The police department in St. Petersburg is working hard to reduce the city’s crime rate. They have implemented a variety of initiatives including more community policing, improved surveillance and technology, and better training for officers. Additionally, they are focusing on cracking down on drugs and gangs in order to keep residents safe.
Despite these efforts, St. Petersburg remains one of the most dangerous cities in Florida and its crime rate continues to be a cause for concern for residents and visitors alike.
5) Orlando
Located in Central Florida, Orlando is the fifth-most dangerous city in the state. Orlando has had a recent rise in violent crime, with an overall crime rate that is higher than the national average. In 2019, Orlando saw a 22% increase in violent crime from the previous year. This includes increases in homicide, rape, and aggravated assault rates. Property crime is also a problem in Orlando, with the city having a slightly higher rate than the national average. Orlando has been experiencing a surge in car thefts, with the theft rate being twice as high as the national average. In addition to these increases in violent and property crimes, Orlando also has a high rate of drug-related offenses.
6) Fort Lauderdale
Located in the heart of South Florida, Fort Lauderdale is one of the most dangerous cities in the state. The city’s crime rate has consistently been higher than the national average, with violent crimes such as assault, robbery, and murder occurring far too often. In 2019, there were 5,257 reported cases of violent crime, with a rate of 1,176 per 100,000 people. Property crimes are also a problem in the city, with 17,395 cases reported that same year.
Fort Lauderdale’s high crime rate can be attributed to a number of factors. The city is home to a large population of tourists, who can be vulnerable to theft or other criminal activity. Additionally, drug trafficking and gang activity have been known to occur throughout the area.
To help reduce crime in Fort Lauderdale, local law enforcement has taken a number of measures to protect its citizens. These include increasing police presence in areas known for criminal activity and implementing community-oriented policing strategies. In addition, a number of educational initiatives have been launched to teach residents about staying safe in their neighborhoods.
7) Tallahassee
Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is the seventh most dangerous city in the state. The crime rate is about 5.4 percent higher than the national average, and violent crime is on the rise. In 2018, Tallahassee saw a 22% increase in robberies and a 20% increase in aggravated assaults. Property crime also rose 8%, with burglaries increasing by 10%.
The Tallahassee Police Department has taken proactive steps to reduce crime, such as increasing patrols and establishing a gang task force. They also have programs such as the Community Partnership Program, which involves members of the community in crime prevention.
Despite these efforts, Tallahassee is still one of the most dangerous cities in Florida. If you live here or are visiting, it’s important to take precautions like locking your doors and being aware of your surroundings.
8) Hollywood
Hollywood, located in Broward County, is the ninth most dangerous city in Florida according to the FBI Uniform Crime Report. With a population of 154,626 people, Hollywood experiences high levels of violent crime and property crime. In 2019, the city reported approximately 2,330 violent crimes, including 72 murders and 1,457 robberies. It also had 4,676 cases of property crime, such as 3,291 burglaries and 1,162 motor vehicle thefts.
The Hollywood Police Department is working to reduce crime through enforcement operations, community policing initiatives, and crime prevention strategies. The department is committed to making the city a safe place for residents and visitors by enhancing public safety and combating crime.
Hollywood is home to numerous tourist attractions, including beaches, hotels, shopping centers, and theaters. Despite its crime rate, it still remains a popular destination for many travelers looking to explore its entertainment offerings. If you’re visiting Hollywood, make sure to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.
9) Pembroke Pines
Located in Broward County, Pembroke Pines is the 9th most dangerous city in Florida. This city has a population of over 160,000 people, and unfortunately, it has had its fair share of crime. In 2019, Pembroke Pines had 1,294 reported violent crimes and 3,319 reported property crimes.
When it comes to violent crime, Pembroke Pines ranks 6th in the state with a rate of 803.6 incidents per 100,000 people. Robberies account for the majority of violent crime in Pembroke Pines, followed by aggravated assaults and rape.
When it comes to property crime, Pembroke Pines ranks 8th in the state with a rate of 2,050.4 incidents per 100,000 people. Larceny-theft accounts for the majority of property crime in Pembroke Pines, followed by burglary and motor vehicle theft.
To combat crime in Pembroke Pines, the city has implemented various safety initiatives such as community policing and increased lighting in high-crime areas. The city has also implemented technology-based solutions such as surveillance cameras and license plate readers to help law enforcement identify potential criminals.
While crime continues to be a problem in Pembroke Pines, the city is actively working to reduce the number of incidents. Residents can help by staying alert, staying informed about their surroundings, and taking advantage of available resources like Neighborhood Watch programs to help keep their neighborhoods safe.
10) Clearwater
Clearwater is located in Pinellas County, Florida and is part of the Tampa Bay Area. Clearwater is known for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather. However, despite being a popular tourist destination, Clearwater has some areas that can be dangerous for visitors. In 2020, Clearwater was ranked as the 10th most dangerous city in Florida, with a total of 2,370 violent crimes reported. The majority of these crimes were robberies, burglaries and motor vehicle thefts. To keep visitors safe while they explore the city, it’s important to take extra precautions and remain aware of your surroundings. Avoiding high crime areas, traveling in groups, and avoiding unfamiliar or dark alleys can help protect you and your belongings while visiting Clearwater. Additionally, there are many resources available to travelers, including police stations, tourist assistance programs, and public transportation options.
Final Words
The cities listed above are some of the most dangerous in Florida. It’s important to remember that although these cities have higher crime rates, there are still safe and vibrant communities in each of them. It is also important to note that many of these cities are taking steps to reduce crime rates and provide more resources for citizens to protect themselves. With the right precautions and awareness, people can still enjoy living in these cities. It is always a good idea to research the areas you live in and the local laws before making any major decisions.
