Florence, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Florence, AL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Florence is 38.9% 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 Florence, there were 233 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 582 per 100,000 individuals, 57.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1060 property crimes, amounting to 2646 per 100,000 residents, 35.4% higher than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Florence?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Florence residents. Out of the respondents (33 in total), 39% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Florence were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 61% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Florence a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Florence is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Florence has a total crime rate that is 39% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.54 daily crimes (0.64 violent daily crimes and 2.9 daily property crimes) in Florence.

Has Crime in Florence Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Florence has decreased by 11%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Florence, 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 increased by 54.3%, while property crime has decreased by 18.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Florence is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Florence

In Florence, the cost of living is 15.34% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Florence, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.47 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Florence, the average monthly rent stands at $655, while the national average is $949 per month.

Florence crime map