Daytona Beach, FL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Daytona Beach, FL

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Daytona Beach crime rate is higher than the national average by 55%. Specifically, there were 716 violent crimes in Daytona Beach, equivalent to 928 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 151%. Furthermore, Daytona Beach recorded 2063 property crimes, amounting to 2675 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 36.9%.

With a violent crime rate of 928 crimes per 100,000 residents, Daytona Beach is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Daytona Beach ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 108 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Daytona Beach ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Daytona Beach, there were a total of 13 murders, translating to 17 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Daytona Beach?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Daytona Beach residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 97 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 32% of Daytona Beach residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 68% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Daytona Beach a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Daytona Beach a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Daytona Beach crime rate is 55% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 7.61 crimes per day - 1.96 violent crimes and 5.65 property crimes.

Has Crime in Daytona Beach Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Daytona Beach has decreased by 3.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Daytona Beach, 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 1.2%, while property crime has decreased by 3.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Daytona Beach is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach has a poverty rate that stands at 20.5, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Daytona Beach crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Daytona Beach has a population density of 1047.5 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Daytona Beach crime rates.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Daytona Beach are $979, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Daytona Beach crime map