Is Homestead Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Homestead, Florida, is one of the best-kept secrets in the Sunshine State.

It’s nestled in between Miami to the north, Everglades National Park to the west, the Florida Keys to the south, and Key Biscayne National Park to the east.

This city is a suburb of the Miami metropolitan area but doesn’t have a big-city vibe at all.

While there are so many bigger attractions in the South Florida area, I urge you not to overlook Homestead.

There’s a castle built in secrecy as a tribute to unrequited love.

A shopping square that takes you back in time to “Old Florida.”

A place where you can buy a train car if you are so inclined.

The city offers a free trolley to the neighborhood national parks, and the downtown area is being revitalized while still keeping a strong dose of Florida history intact.

You can take a self-guided hometown tour that gives you a look at the past and present.

This is the hometown feel you need when you are away from home with plenty of Florida excitement just a few miles down any road.

Warnings & Dangers in Homestead

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium overall risk in Homestead. One safe city website ranked it as the 45th Most Dangerous City in America. The weather risks of hurricanes exist 6 months of the year, June - November, but other than that, it's a tropical destination where you'll rarely need a jacket.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

All taxis and public transportation are governed by city and state laws, so there's a low risk as long as your ride can show proof of licensing. Since many places tourists want to visit are outside of Homestead, it makes sense to have a car so you can venture away but still come back to this quaint community for a good night's sleep.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There's a one in 59 chance of being a theft victim, so we'll call it a medium risk. While it's not nearly as risky as other metro areas, there's a clear line in Homestead between who is a local and who is a tourist, so thieves might be on the lookout. Just keep your belongings close and guarded and you should be fine.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Hurricanes are the biggest risk here. They can be dangerous enough to give this area a medium risk. Plus, Florida is the lightning capital of North America, so it's advised to stay indoors when thunder roars.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk of being mugged with robbery rates at one in 377. Violent crime overall comes with a one in 132 chance.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk in Homestead. The Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station is in Homestead. There's also the Homestead Air Reserve Base. Nuclear and military targets can be terror targets, so that's why this comes with a little higher risk. On top of that, it's in the Miami area, which is a large metropolitan center. Those are always possible terror targets too.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There's a low risk of being scammed in Homestead, but the same can't always be said about the surrounding areas. Keep your wits about you and don't fall for a deal that is too good to be true. When you are talking with other tourists on excursions, be sure not to give out too much personal information.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There's a low risk for women in Homestead with its hometown vibe and culture of historic preservation. There just aren't many dangerous areas to get into, since there's no big party scene or huge tourist draw to put women at risk. As with any city, don't go walking around strange areas at night and always stay under the street lights.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

There's low risk with tap water here. It meets or exceeds state and federal guidelines.

Safest Places to Visit in Homestead

In a city that’s only 4 miles wide, the line between safe and unsafe is very blurred.

The good news is, the city errs on the side of being very safe.

I’m a sucker for a love story, so we’re going to start with the Coral Castle Museum.

Edward Leeskalnin was 26 years old when he fell in love with Agnes, who was 10 years younger than him.

He called her his “Sweet Sixteen.”

They were to be married.

The day before the wedding, Agnes got cold feet and called it off.

Ed was heartbroken.

He built this castle as his tribute of undying love for the woman who got away (and didn’t want to come back).

The secrecy behind those castle walls gives it even more charm.

Ed was a petite man, yet somehow managed to organize and install all these massive rocks and sculptures with locals hardly seeing any work being done.

Cauley Square is a shopping and eatery location that takes you back to the olden days of Florida.

The charm of this quaint village setting and canopies of tropical plant and tree treasures make it so relaxing for a nice stroll.

Be sure to grab a Cuban sandwich at the Latin Corner gazebo.

The Gold Coast Trail Railroad Museum is rail history at its finest.

There are three trains you can ride and rail cars to tour that brings you back to the era of train travel as a luxurious way to get around.

Places to Avoid in Homestead

Homestead isn’t an upper-class community.

The 2020 census shows the average income of Homestead residents is $47,000, about 15% lower than the state average.

There are some parts of the community that look run down, mostly because homeowners don’t follow the property rules for maintaining lawns and not leaving junk around.

You wouldn’t have a reason as a tourist to be in those neighborhoods, but it’s just good to know this isn’t a pristine Florida town sparkling with all-new buildings.

It’s an older community and with that comes great history and a little bit of blight.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Homestead

So... How Safe Is Homestead Really?

Homestead is considered to be one of the most dangerous cities in America, but I don’t think the crime statistics necessarily back that up.

80,000 people live there and it’s a lower-to-middle-class community.

It’s not your typical Florida destination city.

If you are staying here it’s either because it’s close to great attractions or because you are there for business or to visit family.

The chances of being a victim of a crime are as follows:

• Violent Crime: 1 in 132
• Property Crime: 1 in 47 (but you don’t own property there, so….)
• Aggravated Assult: 1 in 222
• Robbery: 1 in 377
• Theft: 1 in 1376

If you stay out of the local neighborhoods where you have no business being anyway, you should be fine.

Some neighborhoods do look very run-down and unkempt.

If it looks like a bad neighborhood, keep driving.

Don’t go walking around strange neighborhoods.

Stay in the tourist attractions and lock your car with no personal belongings in plain view when you do.

How Does Homestead Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

The port of entry or airport will take care of the Visa requirements. You'll need an ID for some of the attractions or to get alcohol. You don't need a passport or any special ID if you plan on going to the Florida Keys.

Currency

You'll use U.S. Dollar currency for all activities and spending in Florida. There are plenty of banks and ATMs around, but never take out cash alone at night. It's safer to go inside the bank and make a withdrawal.

Weather

The average temperature here year-round is 75°(F). Get ready for high humidity, as it's very sticky here. You'll need to either find a good laundry service or bring enough clothes that you can change a couple of times a day if you get too sweaty. Summer storms are common daily, and the city gets 60" of rain a year, so rain gear is needed.

Airports

Homestead is 34 miles from the Miami International Airport, and 65 miles from the Fort Lauderdale airport. Traffic can get very backed up in the Miami area, so leave yourself plenty of time to get to and from the airport of your choice.

Travel Insurance

While Florida's weather draws in many people each year, it can also be the #1 reason a flight gets canceled or delayed. Be sure to get travel insurance for your trip to Homestead, Florida.

Homestead Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Florida - Safety by City