Six Florida cities reached the Top 100 List the previous year (2022). None of the cities in Florida made the Top 50 in the 2023 update. There has also undoubtedly been some shifting.
On the other hand, 12 Florida cities made this list in 2016. Locally, Fort Myers was at the top of this list just 12 years ago. It isn’t at all on here anymore.
This is the methodology, according to Neighborhood Scout: “Our research reveals the 100 most dangerous cities in America with 25,000 or more people, based on the number of violent crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crimes include homicide, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. Data used for this research are 1) the number of violent crimes reported to the FBI to have occurred in each city, and 2) the population of each city.” It continues “Once we have this complete and accurate count of crimes for every city in the nation, our analysis takes the violent crimes for each city with 25,000 or more people, and divides them by the population of the city, divided by 1,000. This establishes a violent crime rate per 1,000 population that is used to compare every city.”
Florida just having 5 cities on this list this year makes us proud. But the reason for that is what the list is. Violent offenses like using a pizza as a weapon, throwing an alligator out the drive-through window of a Wendy’s or nakedly driving a golf buggy down I-75, are the crimes for which Florida is infamous. And those weren’t considered violent crimes by the FBI. The cities that do appear on this list of dangerous Florida cities are listed below.
Check out also: Most dangerous cities in California
Without further ado, the most violent cities in Florida are:
6. Tallahassee
- Population: 196,169
- Violent Crime Rate: 7.82 per 1000 residents
- Property Crime Rate: 30.97 per 1000 residents
- Poverty Rate: 27.1%
- Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is one of the most popular destinations in the state. Tallahassee, with its parks, museums, recreational centers and a vibrant community of young students, is popular with tourists and residents alike.
The cost of living in Tallahassee is lower than the national average, as housing prices are reasonable. So, if you are looking for affordable neighborhoods in Florida, Tallahassee should be on your list. Living in Tallahassee also means living in a beautiful natural environment.
Tallahassee, although a cheap city in Florida, is also one of the most dangerous cities in the state. Pickpocketing, robbery, and scams are all rather common in this area. It is recommended that you do not travel alone at night and that you keep your valuables safe.
5. Lake Worth Beach, FL
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 9.3
Chance of being a victim: 1 in 106
4. Panama City, FL
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 9.5
Chance of being a victim: 1 in 104
3. Daytona Beach, FL
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 10.1
Chance of being a victim: 1 in 98
2. Palm Springs, FL
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 10.9
Chance of being a victim: 1 in 91
1. Riviera Beach, FL
Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): 11.5
Chance of being a victim: 1 in 86
