Palm Beach County, located in South Florida, is a huge and complex territory with roughly 2 million residents spread across 30 communities. While certain sections of the country are secure, prosperous, and have a high standard of living, others are plagued by crime, poverty, and social problems.
In this post, we will look at the five most troublesome communities in Palm Beach County, using crime statistics from SpotCrime, which gives specific information on crime incidences at the local level. Neighborhoods having a higher crime rate per 1,000 residents are regarded as more hazardous.
Read more: These 5 Worst Neighborhoods in Brevard County, Florida You Should Avoid in 2024
1. Belle Glade
Belle Glade, located in western Palm Beach County, is well-known for its agricultural production, notably sugarcane and sweet corn. However, it also deals with a high crime rate. According to SpotCrime, Belle Glade’s crime rate is 75.4 incidences per 1,000 people, more than twice the national average.
Murder, rape, robbery, and assault are among the most common violent crimes in the city, as are burglary and theft. The most dangerous places in Belle Glade are centered in the city’s northern and southern districts.
2. West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, located in the eastern section of Palm Beach County, has a busy downtown entertainment sector, cultural attractions, and beautiful waterfront vistas. However, it also faces a high crime rate. According to SpotCrime, West Palm Beach has a crime rate of 77 occurrences per 1,000 people, more than double the national average.
The city sees an increase in property crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, as well as violent crimes such as robbery and assault. The northern and southern regions of West Palm Beach are the most tough.
3. Pahokee
Pahokee, located in the western section of Palm Beach County and snuggled along the beaches of Lake Okeechobee, earned the moniker “The Muck City” owing to its rich soil. However, it also has an alarmingly high crime rate. SpotCrime data shows that Pahokee has a crime rate of 80.8 occurrences per 1,000 people, which is more than double the national average.
Murder, rape, robbery, and assault are among the most common violent crimes in the city, as are burglary and theft. The most dangerous place in Pahokee is in the middle of the city.
4. Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach, located in the eastern section of Palm Beach County, has gorgeous beaches, marinas, and parks. However, it is also notorious for having a high crime rate. According to SpotCrime, Riviera Beach has a crime rate of 70.8 occurrences per 1,000 people, which is more than double the national average.
Murder, rape, robbery, and assault are among the most common violent crimes in this city, as are burglary, theft, and arson. Riviera Beach’s most dangerous locations are centered in the northern and southern portions of the city.
5. Lake Worth
Lake Worth, located in central Palm Beach County, is well-known for its historic downtown, ethnic variety, and thriving arts scene. However, it also faces a significantly high crime rate. SpotCrime data shows that Lake Worth has a crime rate of 72.6 occurrences per 1,000 people, which is more than double the national average.
Also read: These 5 Worst Neighborhoods in Lee County, Florida You Should Avoid in 2024
Conclusion
Palm Beach County’s different towns have varying levels of safety, with Belle Glade, West Palm Beach, Pahokee, Riviera Beach, and Lake Worth experiencing higher crime rates, according to SpotCrime statistics. Violent and property crime rates in these regions are more than double the national average. Despite the hurdles, Palm Beach County’s distinct cultural and natural characteristics coexist with the intricacies of crime and social concerns.