Miami-Dade County, located in southeastern Florida, has around 2.7 million residents as of 2020, making it Florida’s most populous county and the seventh-most populous county in the United States.
The county is well-known for its diversified culture, robust economy, and beautiful beaches, which draw both visitors and inhabitants. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that particular regions of Miami-Dade County have higher crime rates and violence than others.
According to CrimeGrade.org, a website that measures community livability and crime rates, the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Miami-Dade County are:
Downtown
Downtown Miami is bordered by Biscayne Bay to the east, Interstate 95 to the west, Northeast 17th Street to the north, and South 15th Road to the south.
Its population is 92,000 individuals, with a median household income of $43,000. Downtown Miami serves as the city’s financial, commercial, and cultural hub, with various buildings, offices, shops, museums, and entertainment venues.
However, it is crucial to remember that Downtown has some safety challenges. The neighborhood’s crime rate is 10.45 per 1,000 people, which is 40% more than the Miami-Dade County average and 93% higher than the national average.
Downtown’s violent crime rate is 2.53 per 1,000 residents, which exceeds both the county and national rates. Robbery, assault, burglary, and theft are the most common crimes in the area.
Opa-Locka
Opa-Locka is a city in northern Miami-Dade County. The limits are Northwest 151st Street to the north, Northwest 27th Avenue to the west, Northwest 119th Street to the south, and Northwest 17th Avenue to the east.
Opa-Locka has a population of over 16,000 people and a median household income of about $21,000. One of the city’s most remarkable aspects is its architectural style, which draws inspiration from the stories of One Thousand and One Nights, resulting in a distinct Moorish-style architecture.
However, Opa-Locka faces crime-related difficulties. The city has an overall crime rate of 11.59 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is 51% more than the Miami-Dade County average and 105% higher than the national average.
The violent crime rate of Opa-Locka is 3.01 per 1,000 population, which exceeds both the county and national rates. Robbery, assault, burglary, and theft are among the most commonly reported crimes in the area.
Model City
Model City is located in the northwest portion of Miami and is surrounded by Northwest 79th Street to the north, Northwest 7th Avenue to the west, Northwest 54th Street to the south, and Interstate 95 to the east.
With a population of around 25,000 people and a median household income of $25,000, it is one of Miami’s oldest predominantly African-American neighborhoods, with many historical buildings and cultural institutions.
However, Model City suffers crime-related difficulties. The neighborhood’s crime rate is 12.73 per 1,000 residents, which is 62% higher than the Miami-Dade County average and 117% more than the national average.
The violent crime rate is also higher than the county and national averages, at 3.49 per 1,000 persons. Robbery, assault, burglary, and theft are the most common crimes in the area.
Wynwood
Wynwood is located in north-central Miami and is surrounded by Northwest 36th Street to the north, Interstate 95 to the west, Northwest 20th Street to the south, and North Miami Avenue to the east.
The neighborhood has roughly 20,000 individuals, with a median household income of $29,000. Wynwood is known for its dynamic and artistic ambiance, with various galleries, studios, stunning murals, and bustling festivals.
However, it is important to remember that Wynwood has a significantly higher crime rate than Miami-Dade County and national norms. The crime rate in the neighborhood is 13.87 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is 73% above the county average and 129% above the national level.
Specifically, the violent crime rate in Wynwood is 3.97 per 1,000 residents, which exceeds both the county and national rates. Robbery, assault, burglary, and theft are among the most common crimes in Wynwood.
Overtown
Overtown is located in the northwest area of Miami and is bordered by Northwest 20th Street to the north, Interstate 95 to the west, Northwest 5th Street to the south, and North Miami Avenue to the east.
This bustling neighborhood has roughly 10,000 residents, with a median household income of $19,000. It has great historical value as one of Miami’s oldest African-American communities, with a rich musical and cultural tradition.
However, Overtown is also plagued by a high crime rate. With 14.66 incidences per 1,000 residents, it outperforms the Miami-Dade County average by 80% and the national average by 136%.
Specifically, the violent crime rate in Overtown is 4.04 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than both the county and national average. Crimes in the neighborhood include robbery, assault, burglary, and theft.
Conclusion
According to CrimeGrade.org data, the following are the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Miami-Dade County, Florida. However, it is important to realize that crime figures might vary depending on a variety of factors, including data source, collection method, and chronology.
As a result, these rankings should be considered relative and informative rather than absolute or conclusive. Furthermore, it is critical to recognize that crime rates alone do not indicate a neighborhood’s quality of life or desirability. Other factors influencing citizens’ well-being and happiness include education, health, the economy, the environment, and cultural amenities.