Duval County, located in Northeast Florida, is distinguished by its size and variety, with a population of approximately 950,000 people dispersed among 20 cities and municipalities. While certain regions of the county are well-known for their safety, affluence, and quality of life, others face crime, poverty, and social concerns.
In this article, we will look at the five communities in Duval County with the highest crime rates, as reported by SpotCrime, which painstakingly analyzes crime incidences down to the local level. A greater number of crimes per 1,000 people indicates a more dangerous community.
1. New Town
New Town, located in western Duval County near the Baker County boundary, is a historic neighborhood featuring residences from the early 1900s. Unfortunately, it also has a high crime rate, at 80.2 per 1,000 people, which exceeds the national average.
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Murder, rape, robbery, and assault are among the violent crimes committed in this area, as are burglary, theft, and arson. The most crime-prone areas in New Town are found near West State Street and North Myrtle Avenue.
2. Springfield
Springfield, located in the center of Duval County in downtown Jacksonville, is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, with historic buildings and landmarks. However, it has the unfortunate distinction of having the highest crime rate among Duval County’s communities, with an alarming 83.4 offenses per 1,000 people, more than twice the national average.
Murder, rape, robbery, and assault are common, as are property crimes including burglary, theft, and arson. Springfield’s most crime-prone locations are near East 8th Street and North Main Street.
3. East Jacksonville
East Jacksonville, located in northeastern Duval County along the gorgeous St. Johns River, is a historic area dominated by African-American inhabitants, who make up around 80% of the population. Unfortunately, East Jacksonville has a crime rate of 72.6 per 1,000 people, which is more than double the national average.
The neighborhood has a very high rate of violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, as well as property crimes such as burglary, theft, and arson. The most susceptible areas in East Jacksonville are located around East Union Street and North Main Street.
4. Mid-Westside
Mid-Westside, located in northwest Duval County near the Clay County line, is a low-income community with a high crime rate. It is distinguished by public housing developments and dilapidated dwellings. According to SpotCrime, Mid-Westside has a crime rate of 74.8 per 1,000 people, which is much higher than the national average.
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This neighborhood is prone to violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, as well as property crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. The most alarming crime hotspots in the Mid-Westside are located on West Beaver Street and North Edgewood Avenue.
5. Moncrief Park
Moncrief Park is located in the northern portion of Duval County, near the Nassau County boundary, and is mostly occupied by African-American citizens, who account for around 95% of the population. Unfortunately, this area has a high crime rate of 76.9 per 1,000 people, which exceeds the national average by a large amount.
Murder, rape, robbery, and assault are among the most common violent crimes in Moncrief Park, as are burglary, theft, and arson. Moncrief Park’s most crime-prone neighborhoods are Moncrief Road and West 45th Street.
Final Words
Duval County’s crime rates vary significantly by community, with New Town, Springfield, East Jacksonville, Mid-Westside, and Moncrief Park having the highest rates.
These communities confront issues from violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, as well as property crimes including burglary, theft, and arson. The research highlights the need of focused efforts to reduce crime and improve safety in these specific Duval County areas.