If safety is a concern for you, it’s best to avoid the most dangerous cities in Florida, including Lake City, Riviera Beach, and Cocoa. These areas are notorious for their high rates of violent crime. In addition to these cities, there are several other places in Florida that are considered to be the worst for safety. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a complete list of the worst places to live in Florida when it comes to violent crime. Keep reading to learn more.
Top 9 Most Dangerous Cities in Florida (2023)
1. Lake City: A Must-Visit Destination
Lake City has been identified as the most perilous city in Florida, with a violent crime rate of 1,547 per 100,000 residents, making it the highest in the state and one of the most alarming in the nation.
With around 12,500 residents, Lake City may seem like a more affordable option when compared to other Florida cities. However, it’s worth noting that the municipality also has a high poverty and crime rate. In fact, the likelihood of experiencing a violent crime in this area is nearly four times higher than the state average, making Lake City a less safe option for those seeking a secure living environment in Florida.
2. Discover Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach, a small community with a population of 35,000, is considered to be one of the most perilous cities in Florida. It has an extraordinarily high incidence of violent crime, particularly in terms of murder. Shockingly, the murder rate in Riviera Beach is seven times higher than the national average, making it the most dangerous city in Florida in this regard.
Riveria Beach is situated in the Miami metropolitan area but it’s not considered a safe place to be in. If safety is your primary concern, then it’s advisable to avoid most parts of the city. However, Singer Island in Riviera Beach is relatively safer than other areas in the city. It’s interesting to note that North Palm Beach, one of the safest cities in Florida, is less than a 10-minute drive from Riviera Beach.
3. Cocoa
Cocoa, a town in Florida, is considered a high-risk area due to its alarmingly high rate of violent crimes. Despite having a relatively small population of only 19,000, Cocoa’s violent crime rate stands at 1,108 per 100,000 residents. This is 2.8 times higher than the national average and 3 times higher than the state average, making it an area of concern for the local authorities. The most frequently reported violent crimes in Cocoa are burglaries and assaults, which are a cause for concern for the residents of the town.
If you’re searching for a tranquil and secure place to call home in Florida, then Cocoa may not be the ideal location for you. Situated on the Space Coast and in proximity to Cape Canaveral, Cocoa may not offer the peace of mind you’re looking for.
4. Florida City
Located in South Florida near the Everglades and the Florida Keys, Florida City is considered as one of the most hazardous cities in the Sunshine State. With a population of around 12,000, this city has gained a reputation as one of the car-jacking hotspots of the United States. Besides, the rates of other violent crimes are also alarmingly high in Florida City, with residents facing a one in thirty-eight chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
Over the past decade, crime rates in Florida City have been on the rise, in contrast to other cities that have been taking gradual steps towards reducing crime.
5. Discovering the Charm of Lake Worth
Lake Worth is a city located south of Riviera Beach and unfortunately, it has a high rate of violent crime. In fact, it is considered one of the worst cities in Florida for violent crime, with a rate of 996 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is more than 2.5 times higher than the state and national average. However, there is some good news as crime rates have been declining in recent years. Despite this, Lake Worth is still considered one of the most dangerous places in Florida.
It’s advisable to steer clear of the northern neighborhoods in Lake Worth as they have a higher crime rate compared to the rest of the city. It’s better to exercise caution and avoid these areas altogether.
6. Exploring Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is a popular destination for tourists due to its famous race track and lively spring break parties, drawing in a large number of visitors each year. However, it’s worth noting that it’s also considered one of the riskiest places to reside in Florida.
Daytona Beach has a high violent crime rate of 1,006 per 100,000 residents, making its residents almost three times more likely to fall victim to violent crimes compared to the state average. Additionally, property crime rates are also alarmingly high in Daytona Beach, with rates almost 2.5 times the state average.
7. Lauderhill
Lauderhill, unfortunately, has gained a reputation as being one of the most perilous cities in Florida. The crime rates in Lauderhill have been on the rise in recent years. Shockingly, the city reported 632 violent crimes in 2022, which is a staggering 20% increase from 2018. This increase is cause for concern among residents and law enforcement officials alike. To put it into perspective, the violent crime rate in Lauderhill is currently at 878 per 100,000 people, which is 2.3 times higher than the state average. This statistic means that Lauderhill residents have a higher likelihood of being a victim of a violent crime compared to residents of other cities in Florida.
8. Orlando
According to statistics, Orlando has the highest rate of violent crime among all major cities in Florida. This rate is 2.2 times higher than the state average, indicating a concerning trend of violence in the city.
Despite the fact that crime rates in Orlando had been on a steady decline for several decades, with a drastic drop observed since 2002, the city has recently experienced a slight increase in criminal activities since 2020. However, the local authorities have been working tirelessly to combat violent crimes and ensure the safety of the residents of Orlando. Their commendable efforts have been instrumental in creating a more secure environment for the citizens of the city.
9. Tallahassee
Despite Florida’s strict approach towards criminal activity across the state, Tallahassee, the state capital, has emerged as one of the most perilous areas concerning violent crimes. As per the latest statistics of 2021, there were 1,516 instances of violent crimes reported in Tallahassee, translating to 774 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. This data indicates that Tallahassee is more than twice as hazardous when compared to both state and national averages.
Tallahassee has a relatively high property crime rate, with a likelihood of approximately 1 in 30 falling victim to such crimes.
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