This Is the Most Dangerous City in Florida

While many people flock to Florida for Spring Break or summer vacation, it doesn’t cross their minds that they could fall prey to crime. The Sunshine State seems safe but has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average. For example, Florida has an average crime rate of 47.70 per 100,000 people. So while some places in Florida are safe, there are neighborhoods, towns, and cities that are best avoided. Unfortunately, Mangonia Park in West Palm Beach is the most dangerous city in Florida.

Florida Crime Index

The Most Dangerous City in Florida

The most dangerous city in Florida is Mangonia Park, Florida, with a crime index rating of 14,056. This is more than four times the national average and 99.7% higher than U.S. cities. While the crime rate increased in 2020 by 24%, violent crime is decreasing, with property crime on the rise.

Mangonia Park originally started as a homestead where pineapples and mangoes grew in the 1800s. However, the town was only established in 1947. Today, the town forms part of the Uptown West Palm area, including other communities like Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach.

The high crime rate is due to poverty, as most residents are low-income earners and struggle to make ends meet.

Other Dangerous Areas in Florida

As mentioned above, there are a few bad neighborhoods, towns, and cities in the Sunshine State. Here are nine other dangerous places in Florida:

Medley

The small community of Medly ranks 2^nd on Florida’s crime index. However, most of the crime in Medley is due to burglary and theft. This community lies in Miami-Dade County, offering residents and rural, suburban mix. Medley residents are mostly retired and own their own homes. Furthermore, there are a lot of parks and restaurants in Medley, so it’s strange that this little community has so much crime.

Opa Locka

The community of Opa Locka, also situated in Miami-Dade County, is the 3^rd most dangerous city in Florida and ranks tenth out of the 100 most dangerous cities in the USA. With a violent crime rate of 19.49 per 1000 people and 5,663 property crimes per 100,000 people, it is not the relaxing getaway tourists seek.

Florida City

According to data on crime from the FBI, Florida City is one of the most dangerous cities in Florida, with 126 crimes per 1000 residents, so it is not only the most dangerous city in the Sunshine State but also in the USA. There are a few reasons for the high crime rate in Florida City, including:

• High poverty levels of 41.2%
• Lenient gun laws causing a rise in violent crimes as more people have access to firearms
• There is a 1:43 chance of falling victim to a violent crime in Florida City.

Cocoa

Another town in Florida with a very high crime rate is Cocoa, which is located near Cape Canaveral on the Space Coast. Unfortunately, this town has a very high violent crime rate of 1,108 per 100,000 residents. The main type of crime in Cocoa is property crime, like burglaries. However, there are also a lot of assaults and robberies. As a result, residents have to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their property.

Belle Glade

The city of Belle Glade in Palm Beach County has a population of around 19,000 residents. Unfortunately, it has a high crime rate, almost 172% more than the national average. Crime in Belle Glade includes theft, burglaries, rape, murder, assault, and more. In fact, residents of this town have a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to burglaries or theft.

Eatonville

The town of Eatonville is located six miles north of Orland in Orange County. It is one of the most dangerous towns in Florida due to its high violent crime rate, which is almost three times higher than the national average. In addition, it also has a high property crime rate, nearly double the national average. This means that residents have an increased risk of experiencing criminal activity if living in the area for more than a year.

Riveria Beach

This small community of over 33,000 residents has a shocking crime rate. Surprisingly, its murder rate is seven times higher than the national average, making it the murder capital of the Sunshine State. Riviera Beach sits on the border of the Miami metropolitan area, and tourists should avoid this area at all costs. However, Singer Island is one of the safer parts of Riviera Beach. Interestingly, this dangerous town is only a 10-minute drive from one of Florida’s safest cities, North Palm Beach.

Miami Beach

Unlike Miami City, Miami Beach has one of the highest crime rates in the state, with crimes like rape, aggravated assault, murder, burglary, and theft. During the pandemic, crime has gotten worse, reaching terrifying levels. Interestingly, the increase in crime is due to wearing masks, as it’s easier for criminals to get away with crimes when their faces are concealed. However, 88% of Miami Beach’s crimes are related to property crimes, like vehicle theft, burglary, or larceny.

Madison

This small town in North Florida is notorious for its peaceful atmosphere. But that doesn’t mean that Madison is crime free. Unfortunately, it has a higher-than-average property and violent crime rate. In fact, the property crime rate in Madison is more than two and a half times higher than the national average, and its violent crime rate is nearly four times higher than the national average.

Yet, this small town is still a popular choice amongst tourists who want to explore its rich history and natural beauty. So, while visiting the town is not seen as dangerous, tourists and residents must be aware of the crime statistics and avoid dangerous areas.

Conclusion

While each city has its own unique problems, high crime rates are mostly caused by certain factors like poverty, drugs and gangs, lack of education, and opportunity. Additionally, racism, inequality, and other social conditions can also fuel crime.

But who is most affected by crime in cities? Unfortunately, the local communities have to live in fear. However, many residents try to create safer neighborhoods by creating neighborhood watches or volunteering for the police.

It’s important to be aware of the statistics of your neighborhood, as crime rates vary greatly from one area to another. Knowing about the safety of a specific community can help you make informed decisions on where to buy a home and raise a family. Furthermore, if you have no choice but to live in a dangerous area, knowledge will help you take extra precautions to protect yourself and your family. But, no matter where you live or vacation, it’s always best to be vigilant, as crime can occur anywhere.

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