Statista.com states that Florida has a population of 21.78 million people as of 2021.
According to Goldmanwetzel.com in the time period between 1960 and 1990, property crime increased by 205% per 100,000 in this state.
In addition, violent crime increased by 457% per 100,000 in that same period in Florida.
Furthermore, the Fernandina Observer states that in 2020, nationwide, 21,570 murders were committed, resulting in a 30% increase from the previous year.
In that same period, there were a total of 1,290 murders in Florida, or, alternatively, 5.9 murders for every 100,000 people in Florida.
This puts Florida in the 25th position for violent crime in the US.
Additionally, there were 384 violent crimes reported for 2020 in this state.
This data was retrieved from the FBI’s 2020 Uniform Crime Report.
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10 Safest Cities in Florida
According to the 2020 FBI crime report, the following ten cities are the safest cities to live in in the state of Florida.
10. Tequesta
Tequesta is situated on the east side of Florida and has a livability score of 70.
The median household income for this area is $54,730.
The crime rate in Tequesta is 81% lower than the US average.
The population of this city is 5,873.
Over the 2020 period, only 27 crime incidents were reported in this area.
There were zero reports of violent crime, rape, murder, assault, or robbery.
The majority of the crime reported in this area was theft, which accounted for 23 incidents and three incidents of robbery.
Both violent crime and property crime were down 100% and 78% respectively over this same period.
It needs to be added though that the cost of living, utilities, and home prices are somewhat higher than the national average.
9. Niceville
Niceville is located in the northwestern part of Florida and has a population of 16,345 with a median salary of $76,823 per year.
The city has a livability score of 87 out of 100, which is exceptional.
The crime rate in Niceville is 84% lower than the Florida average.
As per the FBI crime report for the year 2020, there were 0 reports of murder and robbery.
Nine cases of violent crime were reported during this period, along with eight cases of assault, 13 cases of burglary, 32 incidents of theft, and 48 incidents of property crime.
Overall, the city had 57 crime incident reports for the entire year of 2020, making it the safest city to live in Florida.
8. Sanibel
The city of Sanibel is located on Sanibel Island in southwest Florida and has a population of 7, 044.
The city has a livability score of 74.
The median salary in this area is $102,956, which is 86% above the national average.
The overall crime rate in this city is 77% lower than the national average.
Over the 2020 period there were a total of 40 crime incidents reported, two of which were related to violent crime, assault to be specific, and 38 incidents were related to property crime, 38 of theft to be exact.
Violent crime and property crime were down from the previous year, 93% and 74% respectively.
The only two negatives about this city are the fact that property prices are exponentially higher than the national average and the cost of living is almost double that of the national average.
7. Parkland
This suburban city is located in the northern part of Broward County.
The city has a population of 28, 354 with a median salary of $128,292.
Parkland also ranked rather high in the standard of living, with a livability score of 77, which is rather good.
There were 209 crime incidents reported over the 2020 period.
Eight of those incidents were related to violent crime while 201 were related to property crime.
Overall, Parkland’s crime rate is 75% lower than the national average and 73% lower than the Florida average.
While the standard of living in this city is relatively good, the cost of living is also relatively high.
On average, housing is 194% higher than the Florida average while the cost of living is one and a half times more than that of the national average.
6. Weston
Weston is a city in Broward County, Florida.
It has a population of 68, 893 and the median salary in this area is $93,883.
The city scored an impressive 83 for livability, which means that the standard of living is quite good in this city.
There were 343 crimes reported during the 2020 year, of which 36 were related to violent crime while 307 were related to property crime.
Violent crime was down 87% while property crime was down 78%.
In Weston, the crime rate is 80% lower than the national average and an individual has a 1 in 210 chance of becoming a victim of crime in this city.
5. Satelite Beach
Satellite Beach is a coastal city located in Brevard County, Florida.
The city has a population of 10, 495 and the median salary is $63,170.
The most impressive thing about this city is the fact that it has an astonishingly high liveability score of 88.
Crime rates in this city are 75% lower than the national average.
In the year 2020, there were 60 crimes reported.
Six of those crimes were violent crimes while the remaining 54 were related to property crimes.
Violent crime was down 86% while property crime was down 75%.
People living in this city have a one in 188 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
The standard of living is high but the cost of living is on par with the national average.
4. Sebastian
Sebastian is a city in River Country, Florida with a population of 23, 432 and a median salary of $46,493.
The standard of living is considerably high in this city as the livability score is 88.
Individuals have a one in 152 chance of becoming a victim of crime in this city.
In addition, the crime rate is 72% lower than the national average.
In 2020, there were 176 crimes reported, of which 21 were violent crimes and 155 were property crimes.
Violent crime and property crimes were down 80% and 70% respectively.
In terms of crime versus standard of living, this city seems like a good option with a relatively low crime rate and a high standard of living.
3. Marco Island
Marco Island lies in the Gulf of Mexico and is a barrier Island.
The city has a livability score of 83 and a population of 17,361.
The median salary in this city is $73,559.
The crime rate is 72% lower than the national average and a candidate has a one in 154 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
In 2020, there were 118 crimes reported.
15 of those crimes were violent crimes, down 79%, and property crime accounted for 103 crimes, down 78%.
While housing is exceptionally high, and the cost of living is relatively high, in comparison to the national average, the standard of living is exceptionally good in this city.
2. Longboat Key
Longboat Key is situated in Manatee and Sarasota counties, which are along the central west coast of Florida.
The city has a population of 7,158 with a livability score of 75.
The median salary in this city is $87,201.
75 crimes were reported in the year 2020, all of which were related to property crime, which was down 48%.
The crime rate is 56% lower than the national average and violent crime is 100% lower than the national average.
You have a one in 98 chance of becoming a victim of crime in this city.
Apart from the cost of housing and living, the living costs in this city were on par with the national average.
Overall, this is a fairly safe city to live in with zero violent crime and great living options.
1. Valparaiso
This city is located in Okaloosa County, Florida.
It has a population of 5,084 and a livability score of 88.
The average salary is $51,563.
35 crimes were reported in 2020.
Five were violent crimes and 30 were property crimes.
An individual has a one in 156 chance of becoming a victim of crime in this city.
Violent crime and property crimes were down 76% and 75% respectively. Crime in this city is 70% lower than the Florida average.
What makes this such a gem is the fact that the cost of living is just below the national average while the standard of living is quite high.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Florida
Here are five safety tips you should know before traveling to Florida.
Drive safely
This is an ideal vacation spot but certain areas are prone to heavier traffic, such as Orlando and Miami, which are known as accident hotspots.
Natural disaster
Florida is known for Hurricane season, which is June through November with September and October being peak times.
Avoid the state during these times if possible or alternatively familiarize yourself with navigating this type of natural disaster.
Heat and dehydration
This state is known for its exceptionally high temperatures.
Always make sure you are properly hydrated and stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Wear sun protection at all times.
Water accidents and water sports
Be mindful that you should familiarize yourself with local boat laws in order to prevent boating accidents.
Insect/spider safety
The state is known for some of the more dangerous insects and spiders.
Familiarize yourself with these and how to protect yourself from them.
Florida Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Florida Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous city in Florida?
Orlando. The violent crime in this city is the highest.
What is the most common type of violent crime in this state?
Aggravated assault is the most common violent crime in Florida.
Which is the most expensive city in Florida?
Palm Beach is the most expensive city to live in Florida.
I’ve been considering a move to Florida and safety is a major factor. It’s reassuring to know there are plenty of safe options to choose from!
I’ve lived in Coral Gables for years and can vouch for its safety. It’s a beautiful city with a strong sense of security.