The Top 10 Safest Places to Live in Florida

As residents and policymakers prioritize security, certain cities in the Sunshine State have emerged as exemplars in crime prevention. These Florida cities focus on community well-being with safety as a key factor. The criteria used to determine the safest cities include metrics such as crime rates, emergency services availability, and perceived safety. Residents feel assured they can safely walk around the block or park on the street. So where are these safest areas now? These are the safest cities in Florida based on their low crime rates.

Crime Rate Reporting Compared to National Average

The data is based on the figures in the FBI crime database. It relies heavily on self-reporting, so not all jurisdictions may be uploading their crime data. The FBI’s annual crime data for the previous year is crucial for understanding trends in crime rates.

The data is further broken into “property crime,” which includes robbery, theft, and burglary, and “violent crime,” which are assault crimes like domestic violence and homicide.

Figures are given as an average rate per population of 1,000 persons. A city with a “2” property crime rate then averages two property crime reports per 1,000 residents.

This data was included with resources from Safewise and Niche to land on Florida’s safest cities.

The big picture on safety in Florida

No place is 100% secure and safe, but some regions have lower crime incidents than others. As a state, Florida tracks near the national average. That makes sense, as it’s the third most-populated state in the country. 

Nationally, the violent crime rate for 2022 stood at 4, a number that has been stable for several years. Florida trended with that until this year when it dropped incrementally to 3.8. Florida’s reported violent crimes have trended downward since 2020.

Property crimes nationally averaged 19.6, and Florida dropped below this for the year, reporting 17.7 incidents. The state’s property crime has consistently declined over the last decade, with more significant drops in 2021 & 2022. For 2022, 367 of the state’s 758 law enforcement offices reported data to the FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and Summary Reporting System (SRS).

Safest Cities in Florida Ranking

Florida’s reporting data needs to catch up to other states, so the most recent figures on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website date to 2021. Going through the report, the jurisdictions with the lowest incidents of total crime per 100,000 persons, total property crime, and total violent crime were as follows. Note that these are not zip-code-based but law enforcement jurisdiction-based. For that reason, we’ll include the counties with the lowest crime rates. The rankings are based on various safety metrics and crime rates. Refer to the full list for comprehensive safety statistics and insights.

Safest Cities in Florida

Florida is a magnet for both tourists and residents, celebrated for its theme parks, natural beauty, and vibrant urban centers. When it comes to safety, several cities in this region stand out. According to the FBI’s crime data, the safest cities in Florida include:

Winter Park: With a violent crime rate of just 0.34 per 1,000 residents, Winter Park is a beacon of safety in Central Florida. This charming city is renowned for its beautiful parks, serene lakes, and scenic walking trails, making it an ideal place to live and a great place to explore.

Lake Nona: Located in Orange County, Lake Nona is a master-planned community designed with safety as a priority. Boasting a violent crime rate of 0.45 per 1,000 residents, Lake Nona offers a secure environment for both living and working, complemented by its modern amenities and community-focused design.

Oviedo: With a violent crime rate of 0.51 per 1,000 residents, Oviedo is another safe haven in Central Florida. Known for its excellent schools, expansive parks, and vibrant community events, this Orlando suburb provides a welcoming and secure atmosphere for families and individuals alike.

Vero Beach: The Vero Beach Police Department reported no violent or property crimes for 2021. Along Florida’s Atlantic coastline in Indian River County, Vero Beach real estate epitomizes the charm of a coastal retreat. Vero Beach is a haven for residents and visitors alike with its pristine beaches, beautiful homes, and relaxed atmosphere.

Jupiter Inlet Colony: Just like Vero Beach, its police department had no incidents of crime reported in 2021. This tiny town only has 405 residents, retirees who enjoy living directly waterfront on Jupiter Inlet. It’s part of the greater Jupiter area in Palm Beach County.

Indian River Shores: Only ten property crimes were reported in Indian River Shores–three incidents of burglaries and seven larceny offenses. This stretch of island living is part of Indian River County. The Atlantic waves brush against its eastern shore, while mangroves and the Indian River provide beautiful views off the west side.

Marco Island: Marco Island, located in Southwest Florida, is also known for its low crime rate and appealing features such as stunning beaches and water activities. This Collier County city has violent crime rates at 0.8 incidents per 1,000 people and property crime rates at 5.2 incidents per 1,000 people.

Sewall’s Point: Six property crimes occurred here in 2021, and no violent crimes. This community resides on a narrow peninsula jutting into the St. Lucie River in Martin County. The A1A crosses through the city’s heart, so residents can quickly commute inland to Stuart or across to the beautiful Hutchinson Island beaches.

Welaka: Tiny Welaka had three property crimes and no violent crimes. The small historic village of Welaka is waterfront on Little Lake George, where it turns into the St. Johns River. Florida wilderness surrounds this town of fewer than 1,000 persons in central Putnam County.

Hillsboro Beach: Hillsboro Beach reported nine property crimes, four burglaries and five larceny offenses. The island town is part of Broward County’s beachfront communities that line Highway A1A. 

Golden Beach: Part of the Miami metro and across from top suburb Aventura, only five property crimes occurred in Golden Beach during 2021. Multiple condo residences line the Ocean Highway, and the urban coastal life is connected to top Miami suburbs like Sunny Isles and Hollywood.

Ponce Inlet: Up in Volusia County, Ponce Inlet’s 18 property crimes included three burglaries, 14 larcenies, and one theft. The 3,000 residents live primarily on the beachfront real estate in Ponce Inlet, with the Halifax River on its west side. The vibe is laidback coastal living.

South Palm Beach: This tiny Miami metro town is associated with top Palm Beach county cities. Only nine property crimes occurred in this town, which is north of Ocean Ridge and connected to the mainland through the Latana Bridge and Ocean Avenue. Lake Worth is to the north.

Astatula: Not many have heard of this town in central Lake County because it’s overshadowed by towns like Tavares, Leesburg, and Howey-in-the-Hills. Think classic Florida lake town as it faces the Little Lake Harris. Fifteen property crimes included four motor vehicle thefts and seven incidents of larceny. Additionally, some cities in this area are less susceptible to hurricanes, making life in them safer overall.

Characteristics of the Safest City

What makes a city safe? Experts agree that the safest cities share several key characteristics:

• Low Crime Rates: It may seem obvious, but cities with low crime rates are inherently safer. These cities have fewer incidents of both violent and property crimes compared to the national average.

• Strong Law Enforcement: Cities with well-funded and well-trained police departments tend to be safer. Effective law enforcement can deter crime and respond swiftly to incidents, ensuring community safety.

• Community Engagement: A strong sense of community and neighborhood pride contributes significantly to a city’s safety. Cities where residents are actively involved in local events and initiatives tend to have lower crime rates.

• Good Schools: Quality education is often linked to lower crime rates. Cities with good schools not only provide better opportunities for youth but also foster a more stable and secure environment.

• Low Poverty Rates: Economic stability plays a crucial role in a city’s safety. Cities with low poverty rates generally experience fewer crimes, as residents have better access to resources and opportunities.

Tips for Staying Safe in Florida

While Florida is generally a safe state, it’s always wise to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always pay attention to what’s happening around you, especially in crowded areas or when walking at night.

• Keep Valuables Secure: Avoid leaving valuables such as purses, wallets, or laptops unattended in public places. Keep them secure and out of sight.

• Avoid Walking Alone at Night: Try to avoid walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit or high-crime areas. If you must walk alone, stay in well-lit, populated areas.

• Keep Your Home Secure at All Times: Ensure that your home is locked and secure, especially when you’re not there. Consider installing additional security measures like deadbolts or security systems.

• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with local news and crime reports to stay informed about any potential risks in your area.

Making a Safe Home in Florida

Creating a safe home environment in Florida involves some planning and investment. Here are some tips to help you enhance your home security:

• Install Security Cameras: Security cameras can deter potential burglars and provide valuable evidence if a crime occurs. Place them in strategic locations around your property.

• Invest in a Home Security System: A comprehensive home security system can offer an added layer of protection for your home and family. Look for systems that include alarms, motion detectors, and remote monitoring.

• Keep Doors and Windows Locked: Always ensure that all doors and windows are locked, especially when you’re not home. Consider upgrading to more secure locks if necessary.

• Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Don’t leave valuables such as jewelry, cash, or important documents in plain sight. Use a safe or secure storage area to keep them protected.

• Consider a Safe Room: A safe room can provide a secure place to go in the event of a natural disaster or home invasion. Ensure it is well-stocked with essential supplies and has a means of communication.

Safest Counties

Reporting data on Florida counties also lagged behind, but we used the most current figures available, typically either 2020 or 2021. Florida also measures crime rates per 100,000 persons, even though some counties have under 20,000 total residents.

Unsurprisingly, the counties with the lowest crime rates per 100,000 persons were also some of its more rural, but that wasn’t exclusive.

Union County had a 38% decrease, reporting 531.7 incidents in 2021, making it the lowest reporting county in Florida. This rural county north of Gainesville is the smallest by land area and only has 16,000 residents. Lake Butler is its largest town.

On its heels, Lafayette County had 541 per 100,000 residents in reported crimes in 2020. It’s the second-least populated county, with just over 8,000 residents in 2020. Find Lafayette County in the Big Bend region between Steinhatchee and Live Oak.

Unlike the first two, St. Johns County is a highly populated part of the state, with major cities St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Sawgrass, and Butler Beach. It had 666.5 crime incidents in 2021, a 32% decrease from 2020. Outside the coastal area, it does become more rural, but overall it has 273,000 residents.

Gilchrist County had 669 crimes in 2020. Another rural north Florida county, this one had over 17,000 residents. Its major town was Trenton, known for natural attractions like Ginnie Springs and Fanning Springs.

The least-populated county, Liberty, reported 699.7 incidents of crime in 2020. Most of the land is protected as National Forest or State Park. Liberty is west of Tallahassee, the state capital, in the Panhandle region.

Jackson County carried an 802 crime rate in 2020. This north Florida area shares a border with Alabama. Historic Marianna is the largest town, but the county has just under 50,000 residents.

Sumter County reported 881.1 crimes in 2020. Inside its borders, you’ll find The Villages, the nation’s largest retirement community, plus the towns of Wildwood and Lake Panasoffkee. It had almost 130,000 residents. The Villages historically have one of the state’s lower crime rates, but not enough to break the top ten in 2023.

Drive due south from Tallahassee, and you’ll end up in rural Wakulla County. It reported 883.1 incidents of crime in 2021. With over 33,000 residents, its towns include Crawfordville and Sopchoppy.

Between the Alabama border and the Panhandle beaches, Santa Rosa County had 936.9 incidents of crime in 2020. Included here are the top vacation towns of Gulf Breeze and Navarre. Other major towns are Milton and Pace. Even though the northeastern region is rural and protected wildlife land, the county has 188,000 residents. Most live near the coast.

Rural Glades County reported 940 total crimes and has only 12,000 residents. Its eastern border is Lake Okeechobee; the tomato-growing area’s largest towns are Moore Haven and Lakeport.

Safe Cities in Florida

The cities with the lowest crime rates in Florida showcase the state’s dedication to safety and exemplify the harmonious balance between urban living and community well-being. While these communities had the lowest crime rates in 2023, many other Florida cities are notable for their low crime rates. As always, a local real estate agent can help you research local safety in the neighborhood you’re looking to buy a home.

Conclusion

Florida has some of the best places to live, work, and retire, offering a variety of safe cities and communities to choose from. By doing your research and taking some common-sense precautions, you can enjoy all that Florida has to offer while staying safe. Whether you’re looking for a safe city to live in or a secure community to retire to, Florida has something for everyone.