16 Most Dangerous Cities In Florida

By: ROS Team

Florida is renowned for its picturesque beaches and thrilling theme parks, but beneath its sunny exterior lurks a darker reality. The Sunshine State grapples with alarmingly high crime rates, earning it a notorious reputation. Numerous cities within the state are considered dangerous. In this blog post, we will take a look into the 16 most dangerous cities in Florida.

Most Dangerous Cities in Florida

1. Lake City

Lake City, Florida, is a charming city with a population of 12,329 as of the 2020 census. Nestled in the heart of northern Florida, it boasts a rich history and picturesque landscapes.

However, despite its allure, Lake City has faced significant challenges concerning crime rates. Unfortunately, it has gained a reputation as the most dangerous city in Florida, with its violent crime rate reaching a staggering 72.7, far surpassing the national average of 22.7.

Property crime is also a concern, with a rate of 95.2, well above the U.S. average of 35.4. These alarming statistics reveal that Lake City’s crime rates are a staggering 196% higher than the national average

2. Riviera Beach

Riviera Beach, Florida, located in Palm Beach County, is a city with both charm and concerns. According to Cityrating’s statistics from 2019, the city witnessed a total of 248 aggravated assaults, 1,141 thefts, and 20 rape cases, making it the second most dangerous city in Florida.

These numbers are alarming, as violent crimes in Riviera Beach are a staggering 208% higher than the national average.

3. Cocoa

Located on Florida’s east coast, Cocoa is a city with a population of 19,041. The city’s crime rates are alarmingly high, standing at 199% above the national average. Violent crimes are particularly prevalent, surpassing the national average by 194%.

On an annual basis, Cocoa experiences approximately 5,934 incidents for every 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national total crime rate of 2,489 incidents per 100,000 people.

Property crimes make up the majority of offenses in the area, posing a challenge for local authorities and residents alike.

4. Florida City

Florida City, Florida, located in Miami-Dade County, is a city known for its vibrant culture and warm weather. However, it has faced challenges in recent years as it was rated as the #1 “most dangerous” city in the state of Florida as of 2020.

With a population of 11,826, it had a concerning violent crime rate of 2,908.8 per 100,000 residents.

The poverty rate in Florida City was listed at 14%, contributing to the socio-economic factors influencing crime. According to NeighborhoodScout, the statistics paint a grim picture, with one’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime being as high as one in 12.

5. Lake Worth

Lake Worth, Florida, boasts a diverse community and exudes a vibrant atmosphere. One of its primary appeals is Lake Worth Beach. With its picturesque vistas and plentiful recreational activities, the beach captivates both locals and tourists alike.

However, it is important to note that the area has gained a reputation for having high crime rates. It consistently ranks among the cities with the highest crime rates in the state.

In 2019, the violent crime rate witnessed a concerning increase of 5.2% compared to the previous year. Additionally, the overall crime rate in Lake Worth Beach surpasses the national average by a striking 67 percent.

6. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, Florida, rests on the captivating Atlantic coast of the Sunshine State. One of its proudest assets is the world-renowned Daytona International Speedway, which annually hosts the legendary Daytona 500 NASCAR race in February. This electrifying event attracts motorsport enthusiasts from every corner of the globe.

Regrettably, Daytona Beach has earned the disheartening distinction of being ranked as the 6th most dangerous city in Florida, with a violent crime rate of 1,006 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Despite its lively charm and thrilling events, it is crucial to remain mindful of the city’s concerning crime statistics.

The property crime rate in this area is currently at 29.73 per 1,000 inhabitants, contributing to a total crime rate of 39 per thousand residents.

7. Lauderhill

Lauderhill, Florida, is a vibrant city with a population of 74,482 residents. Nestled in Broward County, Lauderhill offers its inhabitants a diverse community and a range of recreational activities.

However, being mindful of safety concerns is important, as the city’s crime rates are higher than the national average.

The violent crime rate in Lauderhill stands at 40.4, significantly surpassing the U.S. average of 22.7. Similarly, the property crime rate is 52.1, compared to the national average of 35.4.

With these statistics in mind, residents and visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety, as the likelihood of falling victim to either violent or property crime in Lauderhill is one in 30.

8. Orlando

Orlando, Florida, is a captivating city. It holds a prominent position as one of the most-visited destinations globally. This is largely attributed to its vibrant tourism, bustling major events, and thriving convention traffic.

In 2019, Orlando proudly ranked as the fourth-most visited city in the United States. It stands among illustrious metropolises like New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles, drawing in over 4.4 million visitors each year.

Like any bustling city, it is crucial to prioritize safety in Orlando. FBI data reveals that the property crime rate stands at 16,515 incidents per 10,000 people, while the violent crime rate reaches 2,340 incidents.

9. Pahokee

Located in Florida, the community of Pahokee was established in the early 1900s and derives its name from the Seminole word “Pahokee,” signifying “grassy waters.”

Nestled amidst scenic landscapes and surrounded by water, Pahokee’s heritage is intertwined with its natural surroundings.

However, the town has faced some challenges related to crime. According to BestPlaces.net, Pahokee has a violent crime rate of 54.4, surpassing the national average of 22.7. The property crime rate stands at 42.6, slightly above the U.S. average of 35.4.

Due to these crime rates, Niche awarded Pahokee a grade of C+, which suggests the need for continued efforts to enhance public safety and foster a secure environment for its residents.

10. Belle Glade

Belle Glade, Florida, and its surrounding area are famously known as “Muck City” due to the abundance of muck—an incredibly fertile soil perfect for agricultural purposes.

However, besides its importance in agriculture, the city of Belle Glade has faced significant challenges regarding crime.

According to the FBI’s 2003 report, Belle Glade sadly held the unfortunate distinction of having the second-highest violent crime rate in the entire country. This alarming statistic revealed a staggering 298 incidents per 10,000 residents.

This disheartening statistic indicates that the chances of falling victim to either a violent or property crime in the area were alarmingly high, with a one-in-24 chance of experiencing such unfortunate events. As a result, Belle Glade was ranked as the 10th most dangerous city in Florida during that period.

11. Bunnell

Bunnell, Florida, is a small town nestled in the northeastern part of the state. With its population of 2,676 residents, it exudes a charming and tight-knit community atmosphere. While Bunnell offers tranquility, it also faces certain safety challenges, as reported by Areavibes.

The crime rates in Bunnell surpass the national average by 63%, highlighting the pressing concern surrounding violent crimes. These incidents are a staggering 158% higher than the national average. As a resident, there is a 1 in 27 chance of experiencing victimization due to criminal activities.

12. Perry

Perry, Florida, is a charming city that is recognized as the Tree Capital of the South. Nestled cozily along Florida’s Nature Coast, the city is renowned for its lush greenery and scenic beauty.

However, it is essential to be aware of the crime situation in Perry, as the crime rates here are 156% higher than the national average. This means that residents and visitors should exercise caution and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

The statistics show that there is a one in 18 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in this otherwise picturesque town.

13. Panama City Beach

Located along the picturesque Gulf of Mexico shoreline, Panama City Beach in Florida has solidified its reputation as a highly sought-after vacation destination. This charming locale attracts tourists from across the Southern United States, eager to experience its captivating allure.

RephraseThe crime rates in this area should be a cause for concern, as they exceed the national averages. With a violent crime rate of 47.0 (higher than the national average of 22.7) and a property crime rate of 95.5 (also surpassing the US average of 35.4), both visitors and

In Panama City Beach, the chances of becoming a victim of violent or property crime are one in 21.

14. Chattahoochee

Chattahoochee, Florida is nestled on the high bluffs, overlooking the serene Apalachicola River. It stands as one of the most charming small cities in the Sunshine State. With its picturesque location, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a scenic and peaceful environment.

Like other cities mentioned in this blog post, Chattahoochee has encountered its share of challenges. One such challenge is the steady increase in crime rate, as observed in 2018. The reported crime rate stood at 493.58 incidents per 100,000 population—a significant rise of 38.29% compared to the previous year.

15. Palm Springs

Palm Springs, Florida, a picturesque village nestled in Palm Beach County, attracts visitors with its charm. This vibrant community of 26,780 residents offers stunning landscapes and an array of amenities to explore.

Palm Springs, however, faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of crime. It’s important to be aware that the crime rate in this village surpasses the national average by 80%, with a total crime rate of 4,212.0 per 100,000 people.

16. Starke

Nestled in the heart of north-central Florida, the City of Starke is one of the oldest and most vibrant communities in the region. With a population exceeding 5,700 residents,

it holds a rich history and an active community. 

Starke benefits from its conveniently accessible location, situated less than an hour’s drive south of Jacksonville and a mere 30 minutes north of Gainesville. This prime spot provides effortless access to these prominent cities.

According to NeighborhoodScout, the city also faces its share of obstacles, particularly when it comes to crime. It has a crime rate of 42 per one thousand residents, which means there is a one-in-24 chance for both violent or property crimes to affect its residents.

FAQs

Which City In Florida Has The Highest Crime Rate?

Lake City has the highest crime rate in Florida. The city has a violent crime rate of 72.7 per 1,000 residents, which is 196% higher than the national average. The city’s property crime rate is also high, at 95.2 per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 35.4.

What County In Florida Has The Most Crime?

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Bay County has the highest crime rate in Florida. In 2020, the county had a total crime index of 9,472.0 arrests per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the state average of 558.1 arrests per 100,000 people.

Worst Places to Live in Florida: Final Thoughts

The Sunshine State has some of the highest crime rates in the country, and many of its cities are considered to be dangerous. In this blog post, we took a look at the 16 most dangerous cities in Florida. If you are thinking about moving to Florida or visiting one of its cities, it is important to be aware of the crime rates in different areas.