12 Most Dangerous Cities In Florida To Avoid In 2023 (2023)

Florida reminds you of plenty of beaches, warm weather, lots of sunshine, and an easy-breezy lifestyle. Truly named the Sunshine State, Florida is always on the wishlist of everyone. Whether you want to visit the beautiful, happening state as a traveler or you are planning to move to this state, Florida tops the list every time.

However, despite the abundance of sunshine and fun, Florida has also some of the most dangerous cities. So, before you plan to move to this state, it is important to know the most dangerous cities in Florida.

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With plenty of the fastest-growing Florida cities, it is certainly a very good place to live in. But the state is not devoid of violence and crime. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most dangerous cities in Florida, exploring crime statistics and uncovering some of the factors behind their high rates of violence.

This post is a must-read whether you’re a local wishing to be safe or a tourist wanting to avoid danger while traveling. So buckle up and join us as we delve into the seedy underbelly of Florida’s cities.

Most Dangerous Cities in Florida

1.Tallahassee

• Population: 197,000
• Violent Crime Rate: 7.52 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 30.97 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 27.1%
• Unemployment Rate: 5.1%

The capital of Florida, Tallahassee is one of the most popular places in Flordia. Full of parks, museums, recreational centers, and a lively community of young students, Tallahassee is preferred by both tourists and residents. The presence of Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and other prominent universities makes it a favorite place for students.

Due to its high levels of criminal activity, Tallahassee is one of Florida’s most dangerous cities. According to FBI statistics, Tallahassee recorded 1,026 violent crimes and 4,439 property crimes in 2022 despite having a population of just over 190,000. The city’s crime issue has been exacerbated by elements like poverty, drug usage, and gang involvement.

However, despite being an affordable city in Florida, Tallahassee also falls among the most dangerous cities in Florida. Pickpocket, robbery, and scams are quite common here. It is advised not to travel alone at night and to keep your belongings safe.

2.Lake City

• Population: 12,329
• Violent Crime Rate: 15.74 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 54.42 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 22.2%
• Unemployment Rate: 7.7%

Seated in the county of Columbia, Lake City is a small city in the Sunshine State. This small Florida city is surrounded by a handful of lovely restaurants. There are not a lot of options to hang out. However, one can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.

Lake city is certainly a great place in Florida for retirees because of its low population and calm vibe. Florida is infamous for the high frequency of hurricanes, if you are on the hunt for the safest cities in Florida from hurricanes, then opt for Lake City. The city has a hurricane score of zero.

In spite of the less number of residents, Lake City scores high on the crime and violence quotient. There is a chance of becoming a property or victim of crime in one in 14 making Lake City one of the highest crime rate cities in Florida. Robbery is quite commonly found here and women generally tend to be accompanied by someone if traveling at night.

3. Lauderhill

• Population: 74,482
• Violent Crime Rate: 8.56 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 24.56 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 24.64%
• Unemployment Rate: 8.1%

While everyone’s opinion on the “worst” place to live in Florida may vary, Lauderhill has been cited as one of the most unsafe cities in the state due to its high crime rates. Concerns about the city’s problems with gang violence, drug trafficking, and property crimes have been aired by both locals and visitors. Lauderhill still experiences crime and safety challenges despite attempts by law enforcement and local authorities to address them.

4.Orlando

• Population: 307,573
• Violent Crime Rate: 8.28 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 36.80 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 19.1%
• Unemployment Rate: 2.80%

Another most unsafe city in Florida is Orlando. Popular for having famous theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is pretty popular among tourists. Tourists all over the world have made it a favorite tourist destination because of its exciting nightlife, amazing weather, and gorgeous theme parks.

Orlando is rightly called “the city beautiful” and people get to experience a nice mix of suburban and urban culture. Also, if you plan to move to Orlando, it is affordable as the cost of living is relatively lower than the state average. Moreover, Orlando is home to large companies and young professionals get ample opportunities to explore various career options here.

Since it is a popular destination, thefts are very common here. Be aware of scammers too who sell fraudulent tickets to families visiting the theme parks. Places like Signal Hill and Holden-Parramore are dangerous neighborhoods in Florida but crowded places are safer where tourists are visiting regularly.

Recommended Read: 12 Best Day Trips From Orlando Worth The Effort

5.Panama City

• Population: 32,939
• Violent Crime Rate: 9.26 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 44.32 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 21.6%
• Unemployment Rate: 2.30%

Situated in Bay County, Panama City is categorized among the most violent cities in Florida. A popular beach destination among travelers, Panama City offers picturesque locales, crystal-clear waters, and exotic wildlife. People get various opportunities to indulge in outdoor activities like fishing, scuba diving, cruising, and many more. Apart from this, there are plenty of happening places to shop from and great eating joints to enjoy delicious meals.

Also, the housing is quite inexpensive in Panama City making it a great place for families to settle down. The friendly atmosphere of the city is another added advantage. If you are looking for a laidback destination in a beach town in Florida, keep Panama City on your wishlist.

Murders, armed robberies, deaths, and kidnappings have made the place the worst city in Florida. The crime rate is quite high in specific areas like Curundú, El Chorrillo, and San Miguelito. Keep your phones and other important stuff safely locked in your handbags.

6.Lake Worth

• Population: 42,219
• Violent Crime Rate: 9.26 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 44.32 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 21.6%
• Unemployment Rate: 2.30%

Lake Worth, a city with a high crime rate makes the list of most dangerous cities in Florida. The place is popular for beaches, art galleries, nice restaurants, and historic buildings. Lake Worth has a small population and the cost of living is quite low than in other places in Florida.

The city also has beautiful and comfortable weather almost throughout the year. It receives plenty of sunlight and winter is rarely felt. Be aware of robbery and pickpockets while traveling and it is better to bring an anti-theft travel backpack and not to carry a large amount of money with you. In the northern neighborhoods, there is a chance of becoming a victim one in 19. The Southwest part of the city is comparatively safer.

7.Daytona Beach

• Population: 72,647
• Violent Crime Rate: 9.99 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 29.73 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 20.54%
• Unemployment Rate: 7.1%

Daytona Beach is known as the go-to place for car racing. Racing enthusiasts love to explore the hard sand beaches where racing is allowed. It is also famously called one of the “ World’s most famous beaches” and tourists and residents can indulge in tons of fun and adventure activities.

This is another affordable place in Florida to check out. However, Daytona’s crime rate is the fourth highest in the state. With a chance of being a victim of one in 88, Daytona Beach is certainly one of the top dangerous cities in Florida. Assaults are highly seen in this city, but the property crime rate is less.

Read Next: 11 Most Progressive Cities in Florida

8.Opa-Locka

• Population: 16,463
• Violent Crime Rate: 20.90 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 52.85 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 50.9%
• Unemployment Rate: 8.2%

Located in Miami-Dade County, Opa-Locka is famous for having the greatest collection of Moorish Revival Architecture. Although rich in historical significance, Opa-Locka does not make it to the list of best places to live in Florida because of its high crime rate, violence, and poor job and education circumstances.

Both property and violent crime rates are quite high in this city. The chance of being a victim is one in 14 making it a dangerous area in Miami. However, according to the residents of the city, the north part is considered to be the safest.

Read Next: 11 Worst Places In Texas To Avoid

9.Cocoa

• Population: 19,041
• Violent Crime Rate: 11.24 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 57.82 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 13.0%
• Unemployment Rate: 4.5%

A friendly and suitable place to live with families, Cocoa is located in Brevard County. The historic Cocoa Village is a great tourist attraction because of its unique shopping and dining experience.

Cocoa Beach is just 9 miles away from the city and people love spending their weekends on the beach. You will experience quite hot and dry summers here and winters are pretty short-lived. However, despite the low population, Cocoa ranks as one of the highest crime rates places in Florida. Be careful of larceny and burglary as they happen frequently.

10.Perry

• Population: 6898
• Violent Crime Rate: 10.58 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 49.72 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 32.2%
• Unemployment Rate: 5.5%

Perry is a sweet, little rural town belonging just between the middle of Tallahassee and Gainsville. Perry offers a range of outdoor activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and hunting. If you want to have a taste of the suburban feel, you must visit Perry.

The cost of living is lower than the national average in Perry and housing is also budget-friendly. There are some public schools present in the city. Perry experiences pretty comfortable weather throughout the year.

The crime scenario in Perry is definitely not positive. On average one in 17 can become a victim of property or violent crime.

11. Homestead

• Population: 80,737
• Violent Crime Rate: 7.57 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 21.20 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 27.1%
• Unemployment Rate: 8.7%

Homestead, a part of the Miami Dade County, is a good place to live with your family. A little bit away from the hustle-bustle of the downtown, Homestead has a homely feeling and is ideal for families and retirees to settle down.

Homestead is expensive when it comes to the cost of living. The city is diverse and there is a healthy mix of young and old populations. But, Homestead is one of the most dangerous cities in Florida due to its high property and violent crime rate. If you wish to move in there, consider living in the northwest part of the city as recommended and safe by the residents.

Read Next: 12 Best Places to Live in Miami For New Residents

12. Riviera Beach

• Population: 37,604
• Violent Crime Rate: 11.41 per 1000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 31.30 per 1000 residents
• Poverty Rate: 20.04%
• Unemployment Rate: 6.6%

Seated in Palm Beach County, Riviera Beach is a lovely place in Florida. There are plenty of options for shopping places and many parks for outdoor recreation. The Health and education of this city are quite good too.

The weather is comfortable during most of the months. But the crime rate is high compared to its compact population. It is one of the most dangerous cities in Florida as the chance of becoming a property or violent victim is one in 23.

Final Words

Living in Florida can be very exciting and fun. With so many opportunities, Florida is undoubtedly everyone’s favorite. But there are both pros and cons in Florida. So, while choosing a destination to travel to or to move in, make sure to examine the curated list of the most dangerous cities in Florida.

Read Next:

• 7 Inexpensive Beach Towns to Live in Florida
• 14 Magical Secret Spots and Hidden Gems in Florida
• 7 Great Places to Live in North Florida
• 10 Best Places to Live on The Gulf Coast
• 10 Family-Friendly Florida Panhandle Neighborhoods

FAQ – Most Dangerous Cities in Florida