Hillsborough County, located in South Florida, has roughly 2 million citizens spread over 30 communities. While certain regions of the county are noted for their safety, affluence, and quality of life, others struggle with crime, poverty, and social difficulties.
In this post, we will look at the five most problematic areas in Hillsborough County, utilizing crime statistics from SpotCrime, which gives specific criminal incidence information at the neighborhood level. The higher the crime rate per 1,000 residents, the greater the worry about the neighborhood’s safety.
1. Grant Park
Grant Park, located in eastern Hillsborough County between the Ybor City Historic District and the Port of Tampa, is an older, historic neighborhood with many residences going back to the early 1900s. Grant Park has a crime rate of 72.6 per 1,000 people, which is more than double the national average.
Property crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft are common in the area, as are violent crimes like robbery and assault. The most dangerous places in Grant Park are located along East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and North Orient Road.
Read more: Discover 5 Most Worst Neighborhoods in Palm Beach County, Florida
2. University Square
University Square, located in northern Hillsborough County near the University of South Florida and Busch Gardens, is a diverse and densely populated neighborhood with around 40% black, 30% Hispanic, and 20% white population.
University Square has a crime rate of 69.7 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 area, as are burglary, theft, and arson. The most dangerous sections in University Square are on East Fowler Avenue and North 22nd Street.
3. Orient Park
Orient Park, located in eastern Hillsborough County between the Florida State Fairgrounds and the Hard Rock Casino, is mostly a Hispanic town, with over 70% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino.
Orient Park has a crime rate of 68.4 per 1,000 people, which is more than double the national average. Property crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft occur often in the area, as do violent crimes such as robbery and assault. The most dangerous sections in Orient Park are located along East Broadway Avenue and North Falkenburg Road.
4. Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs, located in the middle section of Hillsborough County along the Hillsborough River, was founded in 1883 as a tourist town known for a natural spring said to have medicinal effects.
However, over time, Sulphur Springs has degenerated into a low-income, high-crime neighborhood with several abandoned buildings and vacant lots. According to SpotCrime, Sulphur Springs has a crime rate of 66.9 per 1,000 population, which is more than double the national average.
Murder, rape, robbery, and assault are among the most common violent crimes in the area, as are burglary, theft, and arson. The most dangerous places in Sulphur Springs are located around East Waters Avenue and North Nebraska Avenue.
5. Highline Pines
Highline Pines, located in the northwest area of Hillsborough County near Tampa International Airport, is surrounded by important transportation arteries such as Interstate 275 and West Hillsborough Avenue. This area is unappealing to young families because of its location and high property crime rate.
Also read: These 5 Worst Neighborhoods in Brevard County, Florida You Should Avoid in 2024
Highline Pines is not one of the safest neighborhoods in Hillsborough County, with reports of burglaries and robberies. SpotCrime reported a crime rate of 64.8 per 1,000 residents in Highline Pines, about twice the national average. The most dangerous places of Highline Pines are situated along West Lambright Street and North Lois Avenue.
Final Words
Hillsborough County, in South Florida, is marked by striking contrasts between safe, wealthy districts and crime-ridden communities. Grant Park, University Square, Orient Park, Sulphur Springs, and Highline Pines appear as the most troublesome areas, with crime rates more than double the national average. Addressing the unique difficulties in these areas is critical for promoting safety, lowering crime rates, and improving general quality of life.