Based on recent FBI statistics, the four most dangerous cities in Florida are Lake City, Riviera Beach, Cocoa, and Florida City. These cities have consistently high rates of violent crime, making them concerning for both residents and visitors.
1. Lake City
Lake City is the most dangerous city in Florida, with a violent crime rate of 1,547 per 100,000 residents. This small city has about 12,500 residents and a lower cost of living than most places in Florida. However, it also has very high poverty and crime rates. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime in Lake City is nearly four times higher than the state average, making it one of the least safe cities in Florida.
2. Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach is another very dangerous city in Florida. With a population of 35,000, it has an extremely high violent crime rate. Its murder rate is seven times higher than the national average, making it the most dangerous city for murders in Florida. Located near the Miami metro area, most of Riviera Beach is unsafe, except for Singer Island. Despite this, it’s just a 10-minute drive from North Palm Beach, one of the safest cities in Florida.
3. Cocoa
Cocoa is also considered one of the worst places to live in Florida due to its high violent crime rate. This city, with a population of 19,000, has a violent crime rate of 1,108 per 100,000 residents, which is 2.8 times higher than the national average and more than four times the state average. The most common violent crimes in Cocoa are burglaries and assaults. Located on the Space Coast near Cape Canaveral, Cocoa is not a safe or peaceful place to live.
4. Florida City
Florida City is one of the most dangerous cities in Florida, with high crime rates. This small city of about 12,000 people is in South Florida, near the Everglades and the Florida Keys. It is known for a high number of carjackings and other violent crimes, with residents having about a 1 in 38 chance of being a victim. Unlike some other cities that are improving, Florida City’s crime rates have increased over the past decade.
Conclusion
These four cities in Florida are among the most dangerous due to their high violent crime rates. Residents and visitors should be cautious and take necessary precautions when in these areas. While some cities are working to reduce crime, others continue to struggle. It’s important to thoroughly research any area before moving there, prioritizing safer neighborhoods or nearby cities.