Florida, known for its sunshine and vibrant communities, also faces challenges in terms of crime. While safety is a priority for residents and authorities alike, certain counties in Florida experience higher crime rates than others. Let’s delve into the 7 most dangerous counties in the state, based on crime statistics.
Lake City
Unfortunately, Lake City is Florida’s most deadly city. With 1,547 violent crimes per 100,000 people, it is among the most hazardous cities in the state and nation.
Lake City, with 12,500 residents and lower living costs than neighboring Florida cities, has high poverty and violence. Lake City’s violent crime rate is over triple the state average. Property crime is high at 54.42 per 1,000. In addition, 22.2% of the population lives in poverty.
Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach has a seven-fold higher homicide rate than the national average. It leads Florida in this crime due to this terrible figure.
Riviera Beach is on the fringes of Miami, therefore avoid specific areas for safety. Riviera Beach’s most secure region is Singer Island, but the rest of the city is one of Florida’s most hazardous. Riviera Beach’s 20.04% poverty rate indicates significant economic issues.
Cocoa
Due to its high violent crime rate, Cocoa is another dangerous Florida city. The municipality has 1,108 crimes per 100,000 citizens despite having 19,000 residents. This is 2.8 times the national rate and three times the state average, which is concerning. Most violent crimes in Cocoa are burglary and assaults.
Cocoa, near Cape Canaveral, may not be the finest Florida destination for peace and safety. The municipality has 57.82 property crimes per 1,000 people. Cocoa has substantial economic difficulty, with 13% poverty.
Lake Worth
Lake Worth, another Florida city with significant violent crime, is a short drive south of Riviera Beach. This figure exceeds the state and national averages by over two and a half times at 996 per 100,000.
Despite a recent decline in crime, Lake Worth remains a dangerous Florida city. Northern Lake Worth has a higher crime rate, therefore avoid these neighborhoods. Socioeconomic metrics show 20.04% poverty in Riviera Beach.
Panama City
Panama City, in Bay County, is known as a violent Florida city. A heaven for outdoor aficionados, it offers fishing, scuba diving, and leisurely cruises. It’s also a shopping and dining hub. Its low cost of living, especially housing, attracts families.
High crime rates—homicides, violent robberies, and abductions—tarnish the city’s reputation. The crime rate is 1.9 times the U.S. average. Panama City’s 13.5% poverty percentage is roughly double the U.S. average.
Lauderhill
Crime in Lauderhill, Florida, has tragically increased. This 72,000-person community had 632 violent crimes in 2022. A 20% increase from 2018 was concerning.
Lauderhill has 878 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Residents of the city are 2.3 times more likely to be victims of such crimes than ordinary Floridians. There are 24.56 property crimes per 1,000 individuals. The local poverty rate is 24.64%.
Homestead
The cost of living in Homestead is high. The city is known for its diversified population and peaceful mix of young and old. Unfortunately, this bustling city is one of Florida’s most hazardous, with high violent and property crime rates.
Homestead residents typically advocate the northwest as a safer neighborhood for potential residents. Due to the city’s 27.1% poverty rate, many people’s financial struggles may contribute to crime.