St. Petersburg, FL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in St. Petersburg, FL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in St. Petersburg is 41.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In St. Petersburg, there were 1622 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 629 per 100,000 individuals, 70.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 6864 property crimes, amounting to 2663 per 100,000 residents, 36.3% higher than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in St. Petersburg?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in St. Petersburg. Based on the results of the surveys (196 responses), 41% of people felt that there was very little crime in St. Petersburg and felt safe walking alone at night. While 59% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is St. Petersburg a Safe Place to Live?

Is St. Petersburg a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, St. Petersburg has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 42%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 23.25 daily incidents, encompassing 4.44 violent crimes and 18.81 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of St. Petersburg as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in St. Petersburg Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in St. Petersburg has decreased by 1.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of St. Petersburg, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 8.5%, while property crime has decreased by 0.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not St. Petersburg is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in St. Petersburg

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced St. Petersburg crime rates. St. Petersburg registers a population density of 4267.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In St. Petersburg, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

In St. Petersburg, the average rental rates are $1,168 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

St. Petersburg crime map