Florida is a popular destination for tourists, retirees, and seasonal visitors, who are lured to the state’s warm climate, beautiful beaches, and numerous attractions. However, not all areas of the Sunshine State can promise safety and tranquillity.
Several cities in Florida have high rates of violent crime, including murder, rape, robbery, and serious assault. Drawing on statistics from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, these are the seven Florida cities with the highest rates of violent crime per 100,000 population.
1. Tallahassee
Tallahassee, the state capital and home to multiple schools and institutions has a violent crime rate of 7.94 per 1,000 population, more than double the state average and higher than many other cities in the United States.
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The chances of encountering violent crime in Tallahassee are 1 in 125, with communities such as Frenchtown/Southside Area, Apalachee Ridge Area, and Bond Community Area being among the riskier areas.
2. Panama City
Panama City, with 36,654 people, is the county seat of Bay County and the largest city in the panhandle area. The violent crime rate is 8.26 per 1,000 persons.
This rate is more than double the state average and greater than in many other U.S. cities. The chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Panama City are 1 in 120, with Glenwood, Millville, and Cove listed as particularly risky districts.
3. Lake City
Lake City, located in northern Florida between Jacksonville and Tallahassee, has a population of 12,497 and a violent crime rate of 15.92 per 1,000 persons.
This ranks it among the cities with the highest rates of violent crime in the state and throughout the country. Residents here have a one-in-62 risk of being victims of violent crime, with Eastside Village, Lake City Heights, and Pinemount Park being particularly alarming.
4. Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach, which is located just north of West Palm Beach and has a population of around 38,074, had a violent crime rate of 11.53 per 1,000 persons.
This is over three times the state average of 3.84, resulting in a 1-in-86 probability of becoming a victim of a violent crime. The riskier areas in Riviera Beach include Stonybrook Apartments, Stonybrook Village, and Avenue S.
5. Orlando
Orlando, with a population of 309,154, has a violent crime rate of 8.26 per 1,000 persons, which exceeds the state average and a large part of U.S. cities. The probability of encountering a violent incident in Orlando is similar to 1 in 120, with places such as Parramore, Carver Shores, and Mercy Drive providing greater hazards.