Safest Cities in Florida
The Top 50 Safest Cities in Florida
Safest Cities in Florida
Table of Contents
- Safest Towns and Cities in Florida – Overall
- Safest Cities in Florida – Population 50K+
- Methodology
- Most Dangerous Places In Florida
- Personal Safety Tips
- Home Security Tips
- Child Safety Tips
- Summary
The Safest Places to Live in Florida
Following you will find our list of some of the safest towns and cities to live in the state of Florida. There are many lists of the safest places to live published on the internet. These are often similar, but based on various criteria and supposedly “sophisticated proprietary logarithms” developed to analyze annual crime rates and statistics supplied from FBI data.
Typically, this will involve comparing the violent crime rate and property crime rate of similar-sized population communities in the state. Some sites might also compare these figures with the national average.
These are a good general guideline for those who may be looking to relocate to these areas…and perhaps find a more secure area for themselves and their families. Of course, many communities do not report these statistics…so they do not make these lists. Additionally, statistical anomalies may exist for any given year that might impact ratings for an overall safe community.
Additionally, the localized safety of a city can vary considerably from one neighborhood to the next.
Consequently, at The Home Security Advisor, we recommend that you reach out to local police departments, town management personnel, and even real estate agents to get a full picture of the neighborhood.
At the end of the day, the safest towns, cities, and neighborhoods are those in which the residents take personal responsibility for their own safety and security. That is why we have included sections below on how you can keep you and your family safer…regardless of where you happen to live.
Florida’s Safest Cities
While Miami may make all the headlines when it comes to crime rates in the Sunshine State, our research indicates that Florida can also claim it is home to some of the of the safest communities in the southeast. With its warm climate, world-class beaches and theme parks Florida is a thriving vacation destination as well as a popular retirement location.
The state crime ratings are somewhat middle of the pack.
Florida State Average Violent Crimes
(per 100,000 residents)
Florida State Average Property Crimes
(per 100,000 residents)
However, Florida is home to a number of communities with outstanding reputations for low crime rates which are well below these numbers. Following are the top cities with populations above 5,000 which have been recognized as the safest cities in Florida.
Satellite Beach jumped up from the #6 spot last year to capture the top spot. The three newcomers to this years top 10 are Key Biscayne, North Palm Beach and Winter Springs.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in Florida are:
1. Satellite Beach
2. Marco Island
3. Tequesta
4. Weston
5. Key Biscayne
6. Longboat Key
7. Parkland
8. North Palm Beach
9. Winter Springs
10. Sanibel
Safest Cities in Florida Video Summary
List of Florida’s Safest Cities
Fun Features and Facts About Florida's Safest Cities
Fun Features and Facts About Florida’s Safest Cities
While safety is an important consideration, a community is more than just low violent crime rates and property crime rates. Click below and get a few tidbits of information on some of Florida’s safest places to live.
Satellite Beach
At the top of our list of Florida’s safest cities, Satellite Beach is located in the eastern part of Florida state. Known for long sandy beaches, it is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and the west by the Indian River.
Satellite beach is home to many scenic beaches and parks such as Pelican Beach and the Turkey Creek Sanctuary.
Marco Island
The largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island is located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida.
The population often more than doubles during the winter months. Both locals and visitors alike enjoy the low violent and property crime rates…while visiting gorgeous beaches such as Tigertail and South Beach.
Tequestra
Tequesta is actually an incorporated village located just north of Jupiter on Florida’s east coast.
The smallest of our safest places to live in Florida, few people would know that it was once home to such notables as Burt Reynolds and Joe Namath.
Weston
Located 31 miles northwest of Miami, Weston boasts a very low crime rate for a community with a population of over 50K.
With a median household income of over $100K and a strong economic climate, Weston has been recognized, not only for its low crime rates but as one of America’s best places to live.
Key Biscayne
Once home to Cher, Brad Pitt, and President Nixon, Key Biscayne is a Florida town on a barrier island across the Rickenbacker Causeway from Miami. It lies between 2 large parks—Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
Its small size and remote location make it a safe and attractive destination.
Longboat Key
Located just south of St. Petersburgh, Longboat Key is bordered by Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It has the unusual distinction of being located in both Manatee and Sarasota counties.
But regardless of which county you happen to be in, you’ll enjoy the beautiful beaches along the west coast of Florida while having to worry very little about your personal safety.
Parkland
Although it is perhaps best known for the horrific shooting incident, on the whole, Parkland has been one of the safest places to live in Florida.
One of the wealthiest cities in Florida, Parkland is known for its environmentally friendly community, committed to maintaining a very “park-like” setting.
North Palm Beach
Recognized as the best-planned community of 1956 by the National Association of Home Builders, this east coast gem enjoys both low crime rates and a great golfing heritage.
Home to Jack Nicholas, the Village North Palm Beach Country Club also boasts his namesake signature course.
Winter Springs
A suburb of Orlando, Winter Springs is only a hop, skip, and a jump from the Disney and Universal attractions.
In addition to its enviable safety ratings, it was rated in the top 100 best places to live in 2011 by Money magazine.
Sanibel
Located just off the coast of Fort Myers, this island paradise is easily accessed by the Sanibel Causeway.
While Sanibel residents are relatively safe from most criminal activity, they have had to learn how to deal with the threats that “mother nature” poses during hurricane season.
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More of the Safest Cities in Florida
Whether you are looking at real estate in the state of Florida that borders the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, this list of the safest cities can help you locate a community with relatively low crime statistics. Large city or small town…from Broward County to Boca Raton or Cape Coral there are many areas one would be proud to call home.
11-20
West Miami
Minneola
Lynn Haven
Oviedo
Fellsmere
Indian Harbour Beach
Bell Isle
Palm Beach
Sebastian
Niceville
31-40
Bay Harbor Islands
DeFuniak Springs
Naples
North Bay Village
Lady Lake
Neptune Beach
Lake Alfred
Flagler Beach
Tavares
Lighthouse Point
21-30
Lady Lake
Palm Beach
Mascotte
Belle Isle
Gulf Breeze
Fellsmere
North Port
Sunny Isles Beach
North Bay Village
Venice
41-50
Rockledge
Southwestern Ranches
St. Augustine Beach
Sweetwater
Punta Gorda
Lake Mary
Mascotte
Jupiter
South Bay
Surfside
Safe Florida Cities with Populations over 50,000
Florida Cities with Populations over 50K and the Lowest Crime Rates
Weston makes this list as well….proving that larger cities can be just as safe as smaller communities. Even though some large metro areas might still have some of the safest neighborhoods in Florida, typically more urban areas will reflect higher crime rates.
Urban neighborhoods often face challenges that smaller towns and communities might not have. For that reason, The Home Security Advisor acknowledges some of the larger cities in Florida that have done a great job keeping their streets safe.
Methodology – How we selected the Top 50 Safest Cities in Florida
To determine the safest cities in Florida, we analyzed the most recent (2018) FBI Uniform Crime Report figures for cities with a population of 5,000 or more, who reported their crime stats.
We considered both “Violent” (aggravated assault, murder,rape and robbery) and “Property Crimes” (burglary, arson, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft).
In order to reflect the seriousness of the crimes, these figures were weighted. Property crimes were factored by .50 and were added to the violent crimes.
The sum of the two was then divided by the population in the community. For comparison purposes, we normalized the mathematical finding to reflect weighted criminal offenses per 100,000.
The Best Places to Live in Florida – Crime Ratings
While no rating system is perfect, this provides a strong statistical indicator of the overall safety of the community. If you are considering relocating to Florida, these communities are among the top safest cities in which one could reside.
However, it is important to understand that not all cities report their data…and that certain areas within any city may be much safer than others. This is especially true in larger metropolitan areas. Consequently, one should investigate individual neighborhoods within the community communicate with local law enforcement to get a better picture of the safety on a local neighborhood level.
For more tips on keeping your home and family safer, we recommend you take a look at out our Guide to Personal Safety, Tips for Home Security…and consider a top rated professionally monitored home security system.
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Final Thoughts and FAQs
Final Thoughts and FAQs
Even if you are fortunate enough to live in one of the safest cities in Florida…the threat of violent crime exists virtually everywhere. At The Home Security Advisor, our goal is to provide you with the information you need to protect the things you care most about.
While you might be statistically less likely to be a victim of crimes in certain areas, those statistics mean nothing if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Following is a list of the most dangerous cities….which are statistically more likely to qualify as “the wrong place”…
The Most Dangerous Areas in Florida
Florida’s Most Dangerous Cities
Of course, not everyone is fortunate enough to live in one of the safest cities in Florida. Following is a list of some of the more dangerous areas as was recently published in The Florida Daily.
Florida cities with at least 100,000 population in Florida that had the highest totals of violent crime:
1. Orlando: 860.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people. (2,524 total)
2. Tallahassee: 773 violent crimes per 100,000 people (1,516 total) in last reported year.
3. Gainesville: 771 violent crimes per 100,000 (1,042 total) in last reported year.
Florida cities with populations between 50,000 and 99,999 that had the highest rates of violent crime:
- Daytona Beach: 725 violent crimes in a population of 70,084.
- Melbourne: 757 violent crimes in a population of 83,806.
- Lauderhill: 632 violent crimes in a population of 72,421.
Florida cities with populations between 25,000 and 50,000 that had the highest rates of violent crime:
- Riviera Beach: 428 violent crimes in a population of 35,798.
- Lake Worth: 410 violent crimes in a population of 38,945.
- Panama City: 303 violent crimes in a population of 34,672.
Florida cities with populations below 25,000 that had at least 100 violent crimes and the highest rates of violent crime:
- Florida City (Located in Miami-Dade County): 344 violent crimes in a population of 11,826.
- Lake City: 193 violent crimes in a population of 12,403.
- Cocoa: 214 violent crimes in a population of 18,769.
In areas such as these, it is especially prudent to practice some of the personal safety and security habits that we have outlined in the sections below.
Staying Safe on the Streets of Florida
Personal Safety Tips
Whether you live in one of the safest places in Florida or one of the more crime-prone areas, it is important to be security-conscious and practice good personal safety habits.
No matter where you happen to live, the threat of becoming a victim of a crime or criminal intent is ever-present. While there are no guarantees that you won’t ever experience an assault, robbery ….or worse- there are many steps that you can take to make yourself less vulnerable.
1. Be AWARE of your surroundings. Learn to recognize and react quickly to potentially dangerous situations.
2. Demonstrate assertive body language. Potential assailants are more likely to prey on the weak, defenseless, and timid. Walk with confidence and a sense of purpose.
3. Walk in well-lit, highly-traveled areas. Avoid shortcuts through poorly lit parking lots, alleys, and wooded areas.
4. Keep your cell phone charged. You never know when you may need it to call for help in an emergency.
5. Don’t display cash or any other inviting targets such as cell phones, flashy watches, tablets, or expensive jewelry.
Following these, and other recommended personal safety tips will help reduce the odds of becoming a target.
How Can I Keep My Kids Safer?
Keeping Children Safe
Not all threats to a child’s safety and well-being are a result of crime or criminal activity.
And regardless of where you live, no one is immune to the threats of accidental death or injury in and around the home.
Following are some reminders of how you can help provide a safer environment.
Child Safety Tips
- Never Leave a Child Unattended in or Around Water
- Childproof Electrical Outlets
- Keep Small Items Out of Reach
- Prevent Accidental Suffocation
- Secure Chemicals and Cleaning Materials
Home Safety Tips
- Secure Firearms and Ammunition
- Install and Check Smoke and CO Detectors
- Secure Windows and Stairways
- Pet Safety
- Be Prepared for an Emergency
We have elaborated on these topics, in greater detail in our posts on child safety and home safety.
In addition, you may want to consider a neighborhood watchdog tool such as Family Watchdog. This is a free app that will help you to identify registered sex offenders in your neighborhood…or any areas where your child might frequent-such as schools, playgrounds, or friends’ homes. You might be surprised at what this mapping tool will uncover in even the safest places in Florida.
How Can I Make My Home Safer?
Home Security Tips
Here are some simple steps you can take to help protect your home from the threat of burglary.
1. Close and lock all doors and windows at night and when you are away from home.
2. Have deadbolt locks installed.
3. Secure sliding glass doors.
4. Eliminate hiding places by keeping shrubbery trimmed near entrances and windows.
5. Make sure to illuminate the exterior of the home at night.
6
We elaborate on these items, and more, in our Top 10 Home Security Tips.
I live in one of Florida's Safest Areas...do I still need a security system??
Top Reasons Why Florida Families Get a Home Security System
There are a myriad of reasons why the safest cities in Florida….are safer.
The size of the community, demographics, quality of schools systems, and the caliber of the leadership and police departments are all contributing factors.
But, regardless of how “safe” a community is….crime will always exist.
One way that you can better protect yourself, your home, and your family is by installing a home security system. Statistics show that you will be about 3X less likely to be broken into.
But, today’s security systems do more than just protect against break-ins. Some of the most common reasons that you find so many of your neighbors, even in the safest places in Florida, getting a home security system are:
- Fire and CO Protection
- Flood Sensors
- Home Automation – Lights, Smart Locks, Smart Thermostats
- Video Cameras
- ElderCare
- Insurance Discounts
And…the most common reason given- Peace of Mind!
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There are many more reasons why people get home security systems…and in the safest neighborhoods in Florida, you will likely see the signs everywhere you go…Maybe that is why they are safer.
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2018 Safest Cities in Florida - Top 10 List
Video Summary of Florida’s Safest Cities- 2018
The 2018 Top 10 List of the Safest Cities in Florida
1. Marco Island
2. Weston
3. Parkland
4. Bay Harbor Islands
5. Longboat Key
6. Satellite Beach
7. Tequesta
8. Oviedo
9. Sanibel
10. Punta Gorda
Best Home Security Systems
Side by Side Comparisons of the Top Security Systems
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Last Updated on June 16, 2022 by The Home Security Advisor
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