Joan Mayoral
Florida, renowned for its sunny beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culture, is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. However, some cities have hit the headlines due to their relatively high rates of violent crime. Knowing these regions is essential for potential residents and visitors who wish to navigate the state safely. So, which are the worst cities in Florida with the highest crime rates?
Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive, South Beach (L) and crime scene do not Cross cordon tape (R). Photo: Alexander Spatari, Caspar Benson (modified by author)
Source: UGC TABLE OF CONTENTS Key takeaways 10 worst cities in Florida with the highest crime rates 10. Miami Gardens 9. West Palm Beach 8. Lauderhill 7. Pompano Beach 6. North Miami 5. Ocala 4. Sanford 3. Miami Beach 2. Homestead 1. Daytona Beach What are the top 10 most dangerous counties in Florida? What city in Florida has the highest violent crime rate? What is the safest city in Florida from crime? What is the #1 city in Florida to live in? What are the 5 worst cities in Florida to buy real estate in the next 5 years? Key takeaways Crime statistics indicate that Florida is performing relatively well in terms of violent crime compared to national averages. However, specific concerns are arising in property crimes and demographic-related violence. According to this list, Daytona Beach has the highest violent crime rate in Florida, with a violent crime rate of 1,136.98 incidents per 100,000 residents. Other cities in Florida with a relatively high crime rate include: Miami Beach, Ocala and Lauderhill. We ranked the worst cities in Florida based on the violent crime rate per 100,000 people, offering a statistical perspective on violence in these urban areas. Additionally, we relied on data from reputable sources such as Property Club and Area Vibes. Here is the Florida crime rate ranking by city:
City
Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 people
Daytona Beach
1,136.98
Homestead
953.22
Miami Beach
924.23
Sanford
816.84
Ocala
809.10
North Miami
797.83
Pompano Beach
792.70
Lauderhill
784.92
West Palm Beach
761.54
Miami Gardens
739.11
10. Miami Gardens Miami Gardens, Florida. Photo: @Photostock, discovermiamigardens (modified by author)
Source: UGC Area code(s): 305, 786, 645 Elevation: 7 ft (2 m) Incorporated: May 13, 2003 Miami Gardens is among the top 50 most dangerous cities in Florida. The city has a crime rate of approximately 739.11 per 100,000 residents, with violent crimes being notably higher than the national average.
The city experiences significant issues with property crime (3,789 per 100,000), ranking it among the worst in Florida, particularly due to high theft and burglary rates. Factors contributing to its reputation include higher crime perceptions and challenges in law enforcement responsiveness.
9. West Palm Beach Area code: 561, 728 Elevation: 13 ft (4 m) Incorporated: July 21, 1903 West Palm Beach is among the top 20 most dangerous cities in Florida, with violent crimes such as assault (459 incidents per 100,000 residents) and murder (17 per 100,000) significantly above national averages. Property crimes are also prevalent, with theft rates at 3,751 per 100,000 residents.
These crime statistics contribute to West Palm Beach’s ranking among the worst cities in Florida. Issues like high property taxes, overcrowding, and traffic congestion further detract from residents’ quality of life.
8. Lauderhill Lauderhill, Florida. Photo: @Homes, shotbyleather (modified by author)
Source: UGC ZIP code(s): 33311, 33313, 33319, 33351 Elevation: 9 ft (3 m) While Lauderhill is not the most dangerous city in Florida, the city has experienced a significant increase in violent crime, with a rate of 784.92 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is over twice the state average. It is also widely considered to be among the top 10 most ghetto cities in Florida.
The alarming trend in crime places residents of Lauderhill at a heightened risk of being victims of crime. Additionally, ongoing socioeconomic challenges exacerbate the situation, making Lauderhill less desirable for potential residents.
7. Pompano Beach Area code(s): 754, 954 Elevation: 13 ft (4 m) Incorporated (City of Pompano Beach): June 6, 1947 Pompano Beach has a high crime rate compared to the national average, with a violent crime rate and a property crime rate higher than the national average. In 2020, Pompano Beach’s crime index was 1.5 times greater than the U.S. average, ranking it higher than 92.6% of U.S. cities.
The city’s violent crime rate is 792.70 per 100,000 residents, compared to the United States average of 228.2. While the crime rate has decreased in recent years, Pompano Beach still struggles with high levels of assault, robbery, burglary, and theft.
6. North Miami Area code(s): 305, 786, 645 Elevation: 7 ft (3.96 m) Incorporated (city): May 27, 1953 North Miami, Florida, has a crime rate significantly higher than the national average. The city is one of the 100 most dangerous cities in Florida. The violent crime rate is 797.83 per 100,000 residents, compared to the United States average of 219.8. Property crimes are also prevalent, contributing to a total crime index 1.4 times higher than the national average.
The high crime rate, particularly in violent offences like assault and robbery, contributes to perceptions of North Miami as one of the less desirable places to live in Florida, with safety concerns impacting community well-being and quality of life.
5. Ocala Ocala, Florida. Photo: @Old Florida, golatinosmagazine (modified by author)
Source: UGC Area code: 352 Elevation: 69 ft (21 m) Founded: 1849 Ocala, Florida, has a notably high crime rate, with violent crimes at 809.10 per 100,000 residents. Property crime rates are also elevated, contributing to a perception of danger. The city is ranked poorly in safety, with a C- grade overall. As a result, many natives consider it to be among the 5 worst cities in Florida.
The city struggles with slow economic growth, which affects job opportunities and overall economic stability and deters potential residents and investors. While it offers affordable housing, declining property values and limited amenities relative to other Florida cities further diminish its appeal.
4. Sanford Area code(s): 321, 407, 689 Founded by: Henry Shelton Sanford Incorporated: September 29, 1877 Sanford is often cited as the worst part of Florida due to its high crime rates and limited amenities. The city has been ranked among the most dangerous in the USA, with a violent crime rate of 816.84 per 100,000 people, significantly above the national average.
The city also struggles with issues like respiratory infections, ranking poorly in health metrics. The lack of diverse cultural offerings and recreational activities further diminishes its appeal.
3. Miami Beach Miami Beach, Florida. Photo: @Nisian Hughes, dueitalianiamiami (modified by author)
Source: UGC Elevation: 4 ft (1.2 m) Incorporated: March 26, 1915 Named for: Miami River Miami Beach has one of the highest crime rates in Florida. The city has high rates of violent crime, ranking 3rd most dangerous in the state, with 924.23 violent crimes per 100,000 people annually. Assault and robbery are the most common violent crimes, occurring at 2-3 times the national rate.
Property crimes like theft and burglary are also very prevalent. While the police are visible and responsive, Miami Beach’s high population density, tourism, and wealth inequality contribute to its disproportionately high crime levels.
2. Homestead Area code(s): 305, 786, 645 Elevation: 3 ft Incorporated: February 8, 1913 Homestead ranks high among the most ghetto cities in Florida due to its high crime rates and socioeconomic challenges. The city has a violent crime rate of 953.22 per 100,000 residents. Besides a high crime rate, the city also suffers from low-income areas, a poor school system, and racial tensions.
These factors contribute to a lower quality of life and make Homestead less desirable than other Florida cities with lower crime rates and stronger socioeconomic indicators.
1. Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo: @PlanetWare, journeytraveler (modified bu author)
Source: UGC Area code: 386 Elevation: 13 ft (4 m) Founded: 1870 Daytona Beach is considered the city with the highest crime rate in Florida, with a violent crime rate of 1,136.98 incidents per 100,000 residents, nearly three times the state average.
The city faces challenges like a sluggish real estate market and limited economic development, leading to stagnant property values. Despite its appeal as a tourist destination, these factors make Daytona Beach less desirable for residents and potential investors.
What are the top 10 most dangerous counties in Florida? The top 10 most dangerous counties in Florida include:
Miami-Dade Hillsborough Broward Orange (Orlando) Duval (Jacksonville) What city in Florida has the highest violent crime rate? According to this list, Daytona Beach has the highest violent crime rate in Florida, with a violent crime rate of 1,136.98 incidents per 100,000 residents.
What is the safest city in Florida from crime? While rankings vary slightly by source and year, Marco Island frequently appears as Florida’s safest city with extremely low violent and property crime rates.
What is the #1 city in Florida to live in? There’s no single #1 city, as it depends on priorities, but Naples often ranks high for its beaches and lifestyle.
What are the 5 worst cities in Florida to buy real estate in the next 5 years? While definitive “worst” lists vary, areas showing declining home values and high financial distress, like Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fort Myers/Cape Coral, North Port-Sarasota, and Tampa, often appear due to affordability crises, soaring insurance, and rising foreclosures, making them riskier for buyers.
The worst cities in Florida with the highest crime rates are Daytona Beach, Homestead, Miami Beach, Sanford, Ocala, North Miami, Pompano Beach, Lauderhill, West Palm Beach, and Miami Gardens. These cities contribute to Florida’s overall violent crime rate of approximately 3.8 incidents per 1,000 people.
Tuko.co.ke shared an article about the most dangerous cities in Indiana. Indiana is known for its historical significance and thriving communities, but some cities face serious crime problems.
Economic instability, social challenges, and historical factors contribute to the high crime rates in these cities, leading to concerning levels of violence and property offences. So, which are the most dangerous cities in Indiana? Find out here.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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