When it comes to finding a place to call home, safety is often a top priority for many people. Florida is a state known for its sunny weather, sandy beaches, and thriving tourism industry. However, it’s important to note that not all areas in Florida are created equal when it comes to safety. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 safest places to live in Florida in 2023, based on population count and crime rates.
Methodology
To determine the safest places to live in Florida, we used data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. The UCR collects crime data from law enforcement agencies across the country and provides standardized crime statistics. We looked at the total number of crimes reported in each city and calculated the crime rate per 1,000 residents. We also factored in the population count of each city to get a more accurate picture of the crime rates.
Top 10 Safest Places to Live in Florida
Marco Island
Population: 18,000
Crime Rate: 1.67 per 1,000 residents
Drew Townsend, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located in Southwest Florida, Marco Island is a beautiful and peaceful community that offers a relaxed lifestyle. With a population of just 18,000, it is a small town where everyone knows everyone. The crime rate in Marco Island is incredibly low, with only 30 crimes reported in 2022. The town has a robust law enforcement presence, with a police department that provides round-the-clock protection.
Weston
Population: 70,000
Crime Rate: 2.21 per 1,000 residents
Weston Pool at Weston, Staffordshire by Roger Kidd, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Weston is a suburb of Miami located in Broward County. It is a family-friendly community that offers excellent schools, parks, and recreational opportunities. The crime rate in Weston is well below the national average, with only 155 crimes reported in 2022. The town has an active neighborhood watch program and a police department that is committed to keeping the community safe.
Parkland
Population: 35,000
Crime Rate: 2.54 per 1,000 residents
John Robert McPherson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Parkland is another suburb of Miami located in Broward County. It is a well-planned community that offers a high quality of life. The crime rate in Parkland is low, with only 89 crimes reported in 2022. The town has an excellent police department that is responsive to the needs of the community.
Coral Gables
Population: 50,000
Crime Rate: 2.63 per 1,000 residents
Averette, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Coral Gables is a city in Miami-Dade County known for its Spanish-style architecture, tree-lined streets, and upscale shops and restaurants. It is a popular destination for tourists and a desirable place to live. The crime rate in Coral Gables is low, with only 132 crimes reported in 2022. The city has a well-trained police department that is dedicated to maintaining public safety.
Niceville
Population: 15,000
Crime Rate: 2.78 per 1,000 residents
Skye Marthaler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Niceville is a small town located in Okaloosa County in the Florida Panhandle. It is a tight-knit community that offers a small-town feel with easy access to the beaches and other attractions. The crime rate in Niceville is low, with only 42 crimes reported in 2022. The town has a professional police department that provides 24/7 protection to its residents.
Palm Beach
Population: 9,000
Crime Rate: 2.87 per 1,000 residents
Vadim Sazanovich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Palm Beach is a town located on a barrier island in Palm Beach County. It is known for its luxurious mansions, high-end shops, and pristine beaches. Despite its upscale reputation, the crime rate in Palm Beach is low, with only 26 crimes reported in 2022. The town has a dedicated police department that works closely with the community to ensure public safety.
Satellite Beach
Population: 11,000
Crime Rate: 2.94 per 1,000 residents
Michael Seeley, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Satellite Beach is a coastal city located in Brevard County on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. It is a quiet and safe community that offers excellent schools, parks, and recreational opportunities. The crime rate in Satellite Beach is low, with only 32 crimes reported in 2022. The city has a community-oriented police department that provides excellent service to its residents.
Longboat Key
Population: 7,000
Crime Rate: 3.14 per 1,000 residents
Mykhaylovdimitriy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Longboat Key is a town located on a barrier island in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. It is a popular destination for retirees and snowbirds who want to enjoy the Florida lifestyle. The crime rate in Longboat Key is low, with only 22 crimes reported in 2022. The town has a small but dedicated police department that provides 24/7 protection to its residents.
Belle Isle
Population: 7,000
Crime Rate: 3.17 per 1,000 residents
Road junction in Belle Isle by Christine Johnstone, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Belle Isle is a city located in Orange County, just south of downtown Orlando. It is a family-friendly community that offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. The crime rate in Belle Isle is low, with only 22 crimes reported in 2022. The city has a proactive police department that works closely with the community to prevent crime.
Sanibel
Population: 7,000
Crime Rate: 3.39 per 1,000 residents
Russ, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sanibel is a city located on a barrier island in Lee County. It is known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife refuges, and nature preserves. The crime rate in Sanibel is low, with only 24 crimes reported in 2022. The city has a community-oriented police department that provides excellent service to its residents.
FAQ
What is the average crime rate in Florida?
The average crime rate in Florida is 3.83 per 1,000 residents. However, this can vary widely depending on the location and community.
Are these places affordable to live in?
The cost of living in these places varies, but some of them can be quite expensive. However, it’s important to consider the overall quality of life and safety when choosing a place to live.
Are these places suitable for families?
Yes, many of these places are suitable for families and offer excellent schools, parks, and recreational opportunities.
Is it possible to find job opportunities in these places?
Some of these places may have limited job opportunities, but many are located near larger cities with more job options.
Bottom Line
Living in a safe community is essential for peace of mind and a high quality of life. Fortunately, Florida has no shortage of safe and secure towns and cities to choose from. With low crime rates, strong law enforcement presence, and an abundance of recreational opportunities, the 10 places on this list are some of the best places to call home in the Sunshine State.
So, whether you’re drawn to the vibrant culture of Miami or the small-town charm of Jupiter, there’s a safe and secure community in Florida that’s just right for you. Remember to prioritize safety when choosing your next home and enjoy all that the beautiful state of Florida has to offer.
Way.com, your go-to auto insurance savings app, now covers your home too! Find the cheapest home insurance quotes in your area through Way! Who doesn’t love to save a whopping $900 on their home insurance policy?
.jpg){kind=link}