Tampa Crime Rate: What The Data Shows Us

Tampa was recently named one of the best places to live in the U.S. The city has it all — an award-winning food scene, entrepreneurial hubs, and diverse neighborhoods that are perfect for families. But like any growing city, Tampa also has crime. How does the Tampa crime rate compare to the rest of the nation, and how can you protect yourself? We’ll answer those questions and more in today’s post.

Tampa Crime Statistics

According to data from Neighborhood Scout, Tampa is safer than 16% of U.S. cities. There’s a violent crime rate of 4.92 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 19.37 per 1,000 residents, for a total crime rate of 24.3/1,000 residents. The website also found that you have a 1 in 203 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Tampa — which is higher than the state of Florida’s violent crime rate. Your risk of becoming a victim of property crime in Tampa is much higher at 1 in 52. Lastly, Neighborhood Scout ranked the safest Tampa neighborhoods, which include New Tampa and Hyde Park Village.

Review site Niche surveyed more than 140 Tampa Bay residents to determine how safe they feel. 83% of respondents said they feel “pretty safe” or “very safe.” More than half of respondents say that the police are visible and very responsive when they’re called. Niche found that Tampa has a higher assault and murder rate than the national average, but rape, robbery, burglary, and theft are all below national crime averages. The website also analyzed St. Petersburg and surveyed nearly 60 residents there. Much like Tampa, the survey results found that residents were mostly satisfied with safety and the average police response.

How to Stay Safe

If a perpetrator is determined, they’ll find a way to commit a crime. But there are easy steps you can take to reduce the risk of your home or business being targeted by criminals. All it takes is a bit of preparation and knowing which behaviors to avoid.

• Travel in groups when possible. Avoid walking alone in deserted areas.
• Always lock your car doors when you leave your vehicle.
• Don’t let your cell phone distract you from your surroundings. Remain alert.
• Trust your intuition. If something feels off, don’t be afraid to alert authorities.
• Invest in a quality security system and monitoring service.

Are you interested in learning more about specific crimes happening in your neighborhood? The city of Tampa has partnered with LexisNexis to create an interactive crime map that is searchable by address. The map is beneficial if you’re making decisions about where to live or work in the city. No matter how safe a neighborhood is, it’s still potentially vulnerable to crime. Deterrents like security alarms, CCTV cameras, and access control systems are an investment that could prove invaluable in the long run. Integrated Security Consultants is an electronic security firm based in Tampa, Florida that serves clients statewide and selects clients nationally. Our team prioritizes Integrity, Solutions, and Customer Service in everything we do. Contact us online or call 813-254-0033 to schedule a free consultation.