20 Worst Places to Live in Florida: Crime-Ridden Cities and Their Disturbing Realities
Florida, often referred to as The Sunshine State, boasts its popularity as a global tourist hub. However, for local residents, the reality isn't all idyllic theme parks and serene beaches. While Florida's cities might not exhibit crime rates as alarming as those in places like Detroit or St. Louis, they are still far from being perfect havens.
In some cities, the likelihood of falling prey to property crime can be as high as 1 in 12. If that already sounds daunting, brace yourself for insights into violent crime, unemployment figures, and levels of poverty.
Read on for an overview of the 20 least desirable places to call home in Florida.
20. Palatka
Nestled in the heart of Florida, Palatka may appear quaint, but it falls short when it comes to the friendly ambiance one might expect from a small community. With residents facing a 1 in 135 chance of becoming victims of violent crime and a 1 in 19 chance of experiencing property crime, the city's safety leaves much to be desired.
19. West Palm Beach
Despite its allure, West Palm Beach takes an unfortunate stance on crime. If you relocate here, you could find yourself facing a 1 in 121 chance of being the target of a violent crime and a 1 in 21 chance of encountering property crime. While there are cities with worse crime rates (as we'll soon discover), the proposition of living here remains less than pleasant.
18. Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach has somehow earned a spot on lists highlighting Florida's best retirement destinations. Yet, residing in constant apprehension of crime doesn't align with most people's golden years vision. The statistics on violent crime are grim, with 431.4 assaults, 7.2 murders, 54.9 rapes, and 369.3 robberies per 100,000 residents. Property crime is just as concerning, with 808.8 burglaries, 3,264.1 thefts, and 727.8 motor vehicle thefts. Retiring in Pompano Beach might not be the best idea.
17. Dade City
Dade City, a Tampa suburb, may boast attractions like the Pioneer Florida Museum and Pioneer Days Festival, but the crime statistics paint a darker picture. The city's property crime rate exceeds the national average, and violent crime is a significant concern. Though there were no murders recorded recently, high figures of aggravated assaults (720.8 per 100,000), rapes (97 per 100,000), and robberies (152.5) create an unsettling atmosphere.
16. Lake Worth
Lake Worth, though small with just 4,882 residents, doesn't escape the grip of crime. Despite a decrease in violent crime, property crime is on the rise. For every 100,000 residents, there are 1,788.3 burglaries, 304.8 motor vehicle thefts, and a staggering 6,929.5 thefts (compared to the national average of 2,042.8).
15. Orlando
Orlando's fame as a haven for thrill-seekers drawn to its iconic theme parks is juxtaposed by the constant need for residents to remain vigilant against its substantial criminal element. Both violent and property crime rates are concerning, with an average of 458.5 assaults per 100,000, 8.1 murders, 64.4 rapes, 213 robberies, 840.9 burglaries, 4,125.3 thefts, and 488.4 motor vehicle thefts.
14. Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach, a West Palm Beach suburb with a vibrant nightlife and scenic views, falls short in areas of job prospects, safety, and crime. With a grade of "C-" on crime from Niche, the city's future looks less than promising. Reviews indicate an increase in crimes, lack of passionate education, and dwindling job opportunities.
13. Ocala
Ocala, a reasonably sized town in Marion County, possesses several desirable attributes like a temperate climate, solid education, affordable housing, and excellent public amenities. Unfortunately, it also grapples with a significant crime rate that prompts residents to secure their homes vigilantly. The per capita violent crime rate stands alarmingly high at 783, while property crime reaches an even more unsettling 5,310. If you're passing through Ocala, it's wise to keep your windows closed and your foot on the accelerator.
12. Pembroke Park
Although boasting a modest population of 6,347, Pembroke Park doesn't foster the warm, close-knit community vibe one might anticipate. Violent crime rates are soaring in this Fort Lauderdale suburb, with averages of 630.2 aggravated assaults, 31.5 murders, 47.3 rapes, and 488.4 robberies per 100,000 residents. Property crime rates are equally distressing, with 1,055.6 burglaries, 3,308.6 thefts, and 267.8 motor vehicle thefts.
11. Belle Glade
With a median household income of just $25,873, Belle Glade's residents earn slightly over half the income of the average U.S. citizen. Unfortunately, low income, bleak job prospects, and high poverty levels translate into a distressingly high crime rate. When Niche assigns a city a "C-" for crime rates, it's clear that something is amiss. Belle Glade's annual averages include 1,042.5 assaults (compared to the national average of 282.7), 15.6 murders (versus an average of 6.1), and 41.5 rapes (contrasted with an average of 40.7).
10. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach may fare somewhat better than its counterpart in terms of overall crime, but it still paints a grim picture. While violent crimes have decreased lately, property crimes have spiked. Residents now face a 1 in 13.8 chance of falling victim to auto theft, burglary, or theft.
9. Panama City
Moving to Panama City, a small coastal hub, escalates your chances of encountering violent crime to 1 in 114. Property crime doesn't fare much better. The region's seasonal nature, with a surge in tourism and jobs during summer followed by a decline in winter, contributes to an above-average unemployment rate, high poverty levels, and a median income of just $40,114, far below the national average of $55,322.
8. Cocoa
Cocoa, according to Neighborhood Scout, scores a mere 2 out of 100 on the crime index, where 100 signifies the safest locale and 0 indicates the least secure. This score becomes understandable upon closer inspection of the stats. There are 11.82 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, including 1 murder, 11 rapes, 55 robberies, and 152 assaults yearly. The property crime statistics are equally disconcerting, with 8.90 burglaries, 39.28 thefts, and 3.40 motor thefts per 1,000 residents. With Cocoa's population at 18,532, the likelihood of a resident experiencing criminal activity is at 1 in 19.
7. Leesburg
Ranked seventh, Leesburg is a city where your odds of falling victim to violent crime stand at an alarming 1 in 97. Moreover, the probability of experiencing property crime is 1 in 17. This breaks down to 11.28 burglaries, 43.06 thefts, and 3.79 motor vehicle thefts per 1,000 residents. Given these statistics, Leesburg isn't the most family-friendly choice for settling down.
6. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, a hot tourist destination, should ideally maintain crime at a level that doesn't deter its annual influx of visitors. However, law enforcement's struggle to keep up with criminal activities becomes apparent when you consider that there were 12 murders in just one year. The violent crime rate leaves residents with a disturbing 1 in 91 chance of falling victim to a distressing incident. Property crime is even graver, with a 1 in 18 chance of having personal belongings stolen.
5. Miami Beach
Despite its allure as a haven of sand, sunshine, and relaxation, Miami Beach doesn't shy away from crime. Your chances of falling victim to violent crime stand at 1 in 104, while the average in Florida is 1 in 245. The disheartening odds of being robbed, burgled, or having a car stolen are 1 in 20, compared to the state average of 1 in 40. This shocking contrast becomes even clearer when you compare Miami Beach's crime rate per square mile of 1,103 to Florida's average of 59.
4. Opa Locka
With 16,668 residents, Opa Locka holds the unfortunate distinction of having 1 in 51 residents victimized by violent crime. Although property crime has decreased in recent years, the high rates of violent crime cast a shadow over the city. An unemployment rate of 10.5% and a poverty rate of 44% compound the challenges. If you're contemplating Opa Locka as your next residence, it's best to reconsider.
3. Lake Park
Lake Park, despite its modest population of 8,668, wrestles with a significant crime problem. It's fortunate (or ironic) that the crime here doesn't typically lead to fatalities. Instead, barbed wire and security alarms become best-sellers at local hardware stores. The odds of experiencing robbery in Lake Park reach a staggering 12.2 in 100, offering damning evidence of the town's state.
2. Lake City
While Lake City may evoke images of a serene rural setting, the reality couldn't be farther from the pastoral ideal. Residents face a disturbing 1 in 69 chance of falling victim to violent crime. For every 13.3 individuals, 1 person is likely to have their house broken into, car stolen, or wallet snatched. With odds like these, it's wise to keep doors locked and windows secured when passing through.
1. Florida City – The Most Challenging Place to Reside in Florida
Florida City is a locale where a high-quality security system isn't an option but a necessity. Property crime has surged to alarmingly high levels, with residents having a 1 in 12.6 chance of encountering theft, burglary, or auto theft. The odds of experiencing violent crime, including rape, murder, or assault, are equally concerning. The probability of encountering violent crime stands at 1 in 43, cementing Florida City's status as the most difficult place to live in Florida.
This verdict is further reinforced by a scathing review from a Home Snacks user: “High crime rates and high poverty rates. Many thieves around those parts of Florida. The roadwork is deplorable. Liquor stores dot every corner in some areas of Florida City. Such an environment is hardly conducive for children's upbringing. Overall, it's a terrible place even to drive through."
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