Sarasota, FL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Sarasota, 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 Sarasota crime rate is higher than the national average by 63.6%. Specifically, there were 365 violent crimes in Sarasota, equivalent to 659 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 78.2%. Furthermore, Sarasota recorded 1741 property crimes, amounting to 3144 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 60.9%.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Sarasota is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 7 murders in Sarasota, which equates to 13 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Sarasota being a very dangerous place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Sarasota?

AreaVibes surveyed 127 local residents in Sarasota to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 51% of people answered that there was very little crime in Sarasota and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 49% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Sarasota a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Sarasota 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. Sarasota has a total crime rate that is 64% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 5.77 daily crimes (1 violent daily crimes and 4.77 daily property crimes) in Sarasota.

Has Crime in Sarasota Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Sarasota. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Sarasota has increased by 6.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 4.6%, while property crimes have increased by 7.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Sarasota Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Sarasota area comprises a diverse array of over 39 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Cherokee Park, Harbor Acres and Hudson Bayou which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Downtown, Rosemary District and 17th Street exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Sarasota neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sarasota

In Sarasota, the current unemployment rate stands at 2%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Sarasota crime rates.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Sarasota, 84.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

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 Sarasota are $1,177, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Sarasota crime map