Naples is second safest city in Florida
Most Secure Florida Cities
While certain Florida cities have greater crime rates than others, the state also has some areas that are quite safe. The top 5 safest cities in Florida are listed below.
With a safety score of 1.21, Sweetwater, Florida, is in the lead and is the safest city in the state of Florida. Sweetwater, which is close to Miami, demonstrates that being close to Miami doesn’t automatically mean high crime rates. Finding a safe area could be essential.
Naples, Florida, which has a safety rating of 1.12, comes in second. The Gulf Coast of Florida is where this town is located. It’s a very tiny community with 21,000 residents that enjoys a low unemployment rate and close access to beautiful beaches. The city’s small population contributes to its lower rates of violent and property crime.
Florida’s Key Biscayne receives a safety score of 1.06. This island off the coast of Florida offers a wonderful living environment with a little population, according to an article by the Southwest Journal.
Another safe city is Coral Gables, Florida, which has a safety ranking of 1. Like Sweetwater, it’s close to Miami, indicating that stunning beaches and a bustling city center are only a short drive away.
Last but not least, Satellite Beach, Florida, gets a 0.83 safety rating. It is situated close to Daytona Beach and roughly midway between Miami and Jacksonville.
Most Dangerous Florida Cities
Lake City, Riviera Beach, and Cocoa Beach are among the most dangerous cities in Florida. If you’re thinking about moving to Florida, you should avoid these and other cities known for their violent crime. If security is a concern, here is our entire list of the least safe areas to live in Florida.
Top 5 (2023)
Lake City
Riviera Beach
Cocoa
Florida City
Lake Worth
Lake City
Population overall: 12,329
The violent crime rate is 15.74 per 1,000 people.
Property crime frequency is 54.42 per 1,000 people.
Number of People in Poverty: 22.2%
7.7% unemployment rate
The questionable reputation of being the most hazardous city in Florida belongs to Lake City. With 1,547 violent crimes per 100,000 people, it not only leads the state but also is among the worst in the country.
Despite having a population of only about 12,500 people and a cheaper cost of living than many other Florida communities, Lake City experiences unusually high levels of poverty and crime. Lake City is one of Florida’s least safe communities because the probability of experiencing violent crime there is roughly 4 times higher than the state average.
Riviera Beach
Total Population of Riviera Beach: 37,604
Frequency of violent crime: 11.41 per 1,000 people
Property crime frequency is 31.30 per 1,000 people.
20.04% of people live in poverty.
Index of Unemployment: 6.6%
With a murder rate seven times the national average, this small hamlet of 35,000 people has an extremely high violent crime rate, making it the worst city in Florida for this particular crime.
If safety is a concern, areas of Riviera Beach, which is located on the fringes of the Miami metropolitan region, should be avoided. Singer Island is the safest part of Riviera Beach, but the rest of the municipal areas make it one of the least safe parts of Florida. Notably, North Palm Beach, one of Florida’s safest cities, is only a 10-minute drive from Riviera Beach.
Cocoa
Population of Cocoa: 19,041
The violent crime rate is 11.24 per 1,000 people.
Property crime rates are 57.82 per 1,000 people.
13 % of people live in poverty.
4.5% unemployment
Another dangerous town in Florida that has a very high rate of violent crime. Despite having only 19,000 residents, Cocoa has a violent crime rate of 1,108 per 100,000 people, which is 2.8 times higher than the national average and triple the state average. The two most frequent types of violent crime in Cocoa are burglaries and assaults.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and secure area to live in the Sunshine State, Cocoa, which is located on the Space Coast and close to Cape Canaveral, should be avoided.
Lake Worth
Total Population of Lake Worth: 42,219
Violent crime rate: 9.26 per 1,000 people.
Property crime rates are 44.32 per 1,000 people.
Poorness as a percentage: 21.6%
2.30 percent of the population is unemployed.
Another Florida city with a high violent crime rate is only a short drive south of Riviera Beach. The violent crime rate of Lake Worth is 996 per 100,000 people, which is more than 2.5 times the state and national averages. The crime rate in Lake Worth has, however, been declining recently.
It is advisable to stay away from Lake Worth’s northern neighborhoods because they are riskier than the rest of the city.
Panama City
Population of Panama City as a whole: 32,939
Violent crime rate: 9.26 per 1,000 people
Property crime rates are 44.32 per 1000 people.
Poorness as a percentage: 21.6%
Rate of Unemployment: 2.30 %
Despite being a well-known beach destination, Panama City, which is located in Bay County, is considered to be one of Florida’s most violent cities. The region is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, spotless seas, and abundant fauna. It has many shopping centers and restaurants, as well as a range of outdoor activities like cruise, scuba diving, and fishing. Families prefer Panama City because housing there is comparatively inexpensive.
However, high crime rates, notably in places like Curund, El Chorrillo, and San Miguelito, have damaged its reputation. These crimes include murders, armed robberies, and kidnappings.
FAQ
What are some factors that lead to high crime rates in cities?
A1: A number of things can have an impact on the crime rates in cities. Higher crime rates can be attributed to socioeconomic variables like poverty and unemployment since those who experience financial instability may be more motivated to commit crimes. Other elements can be population density, educational attainment, accessibility to social and community services, and efficiency of regional law enforcement.
How does a city’s quality of life relate to its crime rate?
A2: A city’s quality of life can be greatly impacted by high crime rates. Residents could experience stress and anxiety as a result of feeling unsafe and living in fear. High crime rates can deter businesses from setting up shop in the region, which can result in a downturn in the local economy and less job possibilities. Additionally, it may lower property values and lessen the city’s allure to visitors and future residents.
What steps can a city take to lower crime rates, according to question three?
A3: Several strategies can be used by cities to lower crime rates. This may entail making investments in social services including mental health care, job training programs, and educational opportunities. Increasing police presence and enhancing law enforcement tactics in high-crime regions might also be helpful. Cities can also develop community involvement initiatives and crime prevention programs to maintain safe communities.
Q4: How can people stay secure in places where there is a lot of crime?
A4: In cities with high crime rates, people can take a number of precautions to keep themselves safe. This may entail being mindful of their surroundings, particularly while out alone or late at night. It’s also a good idea to stay away from high-crime areas whenever you can. Car alarms and home security systems can offer added security. Finally, establishing good relationships with your neighbors and taking part in neighborhood watch programs in your area can both increase personal and neighborhood safety.
What makes a city’safe’, according Q5?
A5: Low crime rates, especially violent crime, are often indicative of a city’s safety. Other elements may be the efficiency of neighborhood law enforcement, the accessibility and availability of public services like healthcare and education, as well as the overall socioeconomic health of the neighborhood. Strong senses of community, plentiful job opportunities, and high standards of living are frequently characteristics of safe cities.
How can I find out about the safety of a city I’m thinking about moving to?
A6: You may look up a city’s safety using a variety of sources. City-Data, NeighborhoodScout, and the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program are a few websites that offer comprehensive crime statistics for American communities. Local news sources might also offer information on current criminal behavior trends. You can also get in touch with regional real estate brokers or neighborhood groups for additional specialized guidance and details.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a city’s level of safety has a big impact on how liveable and appealing it is to both existing people and potential newcomers. Florida, a state with a diverse population and stunning scenery, offers various levels of safety in each of its urban areas. Unfortunately, places like Lake City, Riviera Beach, Cocoa, and others have become well-known for having high crime rates. However, cities like Sweetwater, Naples, Key Biscayne, and others have shown that peace and safety are still possible in even the most populous state.
It’s important to keep in mind that high crime rates are frequently signs of more general socioeconomic problems, such unemployment and poverty. As a result, effective crime-reduction strategies frequently focus on addressing these underlying reasons through community support, job creation, and education initiatives.