Florida may be a popular place for tourism, especially in the summer. With its beaches, wildlife, and sunshine, it’s no wonder that it attracts multiple people every year. However, as with all states, Florida has its fair share of crime. Understanding the Florida crime rate by city can help residents, potential residents, and tourists make decisions and understand the reasons behind the crimes.
Florida’s Most Dangerous Cities
Determining which cities are the most dangerous may vary, depending on who you ask. This is because each source makes these determinations for different reasons. Some may look at only violent crimes, while others include property crimes as part of their analysis. Either way, there are a few cities that many people agree are among the most dangerous in Florida. These cities include:
- Florida City: Florida City has been considered a dangerous city for some time. There is a high chance that someone who lives there will experience either some form of violence or personal property theft. Generally, if a person hasn’t been a victim of a crime there, they know someone who has.
With a population of 12,180 in 2019, the city experienced 319 violent crimes, four murders/non-negligent assaults, five rapes, 70 robberies, 240 aggravated assaults, 885 property crimes, 77 burglaries, 756 larcenies/thefts, 52 motor vehicle thefts, and one arson. - Riviera Beach: Riviera Beach is located outside Miami. This city has a particularly high violent crime rate. It also has one of the highest murder rates in the country, greatly surpassing the national average.
With a population of 35,130, this city experienced 346 violent crimes in 2019, seven murders/non-negligent manslaughters, 20 rapes, 71 robberies, 248 aggravated assaults, 1,466 property crimes, 186 burglaries, 1,141 larcenies/thefts, 139 motor vehicle thefts, and seven arsons. - Cocoa: The city of Cocoa ranks high in both violent crime and property crime. The city experiences a significant number of burglaries and assaults.
With a population of 18,807, the city experienced 151 violent crimes, two murders/non-negligent assaults, five rapes, 58 robberies, 86 aggravated assaults, 965 property crimes, 137 burglaries, 768 larcenies/thefts, 60 motor vehicle thefts, and three arsons.
Florida’s Safest Cities
While Florida does have its fair share of crime, it also has its share of generally safe cities. Some of these include:
- Weston: Weston is a city close to Miami with plentiful beaches. The cost of living is also higher than in most other cities, which could contribute to the low amount of property and violent crimes.
With a population of 71,946, the city experienced only 33 violent crimes, one murder/non-negligent assault, 12 rapes, eight robberies, 12 aggravated assaults, 362 property crimes, 34 burglaries, 288 larcenies/thefts, 40 motor vehicle thefts, and zero arsons. - Parkland: Parkland tends to be a quieter city, away from the hustle and bustle of the other cities in Florida that attract more tourists. With its low crime rate, the city boasts of its peaceful scenery.
With a population of 35,244, the city experienced nine violent crimes, zero murders/non-negligent assaults, two rapes, two robberies, five aggravated assaults, 189 property crimes, 16 burglaries, 151 larcenies/thefts, 22 motor vehicle thefts, and zero arsons. - Marco Island: Marco Island is popular for its beaches. It has been ranked as an overall safe place to live or visit.
With a population of 18,124, the city experienced seven violent crimes, zero murders/non-negligent assaults, one rape, two robberies, four aggravated assaults, 83 property crimes, seven burglaries, 74 larcenies/thefts, two motor vehicle thefts, and zer arsons.
Florida’s Most Common Crimes
Florida, like every other state, sees a diverse range of crimes. Some are more serious than others, and some are more frequently occurring than others. However, the following are among the most common crimes that take place in Florida:
- Property crimes. Property crime is the unlawful taking or destroying of someone else’s property. This could include burglary, theft, or arson.
- Violent crime. This involves inflicting illegal violence upon another person. Examples include assault, homicide, and rape. Generally, violent crime is less common than property crime, but it poses a greater threat to the safety of others.
- Drug crimes. Drug crimes include possession, drug trafficking, or possession with the intent to sell. These are frequent crimes in Florida. This offense is of particular concern with both narcotics and prescription drugs.
- DUI. DUI, or driving while under the influence, is a common crime in Florida. This includes driving while impaired by either drugs or alcohol. It has led to various problems on the road, including damage to personal property, injury, and even death.
Contributing Factors to Crime Rates
When analyzing crime statistics, there are a number of factors that can contribute to an area having a higher crime rate than others. Some of these include:
- Population density. Because Florida has a high population density, it is more susceptible to higher crime rates. This is partially due to more social interactions than in areas that have low populations, along with the fact that there are more people competing for resources.
- Socioeconomic conditions. Areas riddled with poverty, low access to employment, little education, lack of healthcare, and other conditions lead to increased crime rates. One of the reasons for this is that those who suffer from a lack of adequate resources are at a higher risk of resorting to crime to have their basic needs met.
- Drug crimes. Due to its location, Florida has a higher rate of drug trafficking than other states. When drugs are involved, either through trafficking, substance abuse, or other means, it increases the chance of other crimes occurring, especially violent crimes.
FAQs
Q: Which Area in Florida Has the Highest Crime Rate?
A: The area in Florida with the highest crime rate can be challenging to identify, as crime rates can vary within cities and neighborhoods. However, certain cities and neighborhoods within Florida have higher crime rates compared to others due to factors such as socioeconomic conditions, population density, and law enforcement efforts.
Q: What City in Florida Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
A: Identifying the city in Florida with the lowest crime rate can also be difficult, as it can fluctuate over time and will vary depending on the specific type of crime being measured. Some cities known for their relatively low crime rates include Weston, Parkland, and Marco Island, among others.
Q: How Can Residents and Visitors Stay Safe in Florida?
A: Residents and visitors in Florida can stay safe by:
- Seeking advice on safety tips
- Utilizing crime prevention and awareness strategies, such as never walking alone in a dark, deserted place
- Being aware of specific neighborhoods or areas to avoid
This can help individuals make proper decisions and reduce their risk of becoming victims of crime while in Florida.
Q: Does Florida Have More Crime Than Other States?
A: When comparing Florida’s crime rate to those of other states, we must first consider various factors, such as time period, population size, demographics, and geographic location. While Florida does experience its own amount of crime, its crime rates may not necessarily be higher than those of other states with similar characteristics.
Contact the Law Offices of Barry M. Wax Today
If you have been accused of or charged with a crime in Florida, you do not have to go through the process alone. The Law Offices of Barry M. Wax can help you in your case. Contact us today for more information.
