Ocala is a city situated in Marion County, Florida, and it is home to approximately 60,000 residents. Positioned in the north-central region of the state, it is roughly 80 miles away from Orlando. Ocala is renowned for its horse farms, natural springs, historic downtown, and vibrant cultural events.
Nonetheless, like any city, Ocala has certain neighborhoods that are more susceptible to crime and violence than others. After analyzing crime statistics and reports from various sources, the following are five of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Ocala:
West Ocala:
West Ocala, situated in the west-central part of Ocala, is bordered by Northwest 27th Avenue, Northwest 10th Street, Northwest 44th Avenue, and West Silver Springs Boulevard. The neighborhood has a population of approximately 9,000 people, with a majority being African American. Unfortunately, West Ocala faces several challenges, including a high poverty rate, low median income, and low educational attainment.
NeighborhoodScout’s data reveals that West Ocala has a concerning violent crime rate of 13.8 per 1,000 residents, which is over three times the national average. Additionally, the property crime rate is 43.4 per 1,000 residents, nearly double the national average.
For the residents of West Ocala, there is a one in 72 chance of falling victim to a violent crime and a one in 23 chance of becoming a victim of property crime. The most prevalent crimes in this area include robbery, assault, burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
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Silver Springs Shores:
Silver Springs Shores is a neighborhood located in the southeast part of Ocala, bordered by Southeast Maricamp Road, Southeast 64th Avenue Road, Southeast Highway 314, and Lake Weir. It is home to approximately 15,000 people, with a predominantly white and Hispanic population. The neighborhood exhibits a moderate poverty rate, median income, and educational attainment.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Silver Springs Shores has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average, with 11.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. Similarly, the property crime rate is nearly twice the national average, standing at 38.5 incidents per 1,000 residents.
This means that residents of Silver Springs Shores have a one in 86 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime and a one in 26 chance of experiencing a property crime. Common crimes in the area include assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
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Marion Oaks:
Marion Oaks is a neighborhood located in the southwestern part of Ocala. It is surrounded by Southwest 49th Avenue Road, Southwest 95th Street Road, Southwest 160th Avenue Road, and Southwest 66th Street.
The population of Marion Oaks is approximately 14,000, with a majority being of white and Hispanic ethnicity. The neighborhood experiences moderate poverty rates, median income, and educational levels.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Marion Oaks has a higher than average violent crime rate of 10.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the national average. Additionally, the property crime rate is 36.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, almost twice the national average.
This means that residents of Marion Oaks have a one in 92 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a one in 28 chance of experiencing a property crime. The most common types of crimes reported in Marion Oaks are assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
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Belleview Heights Estates:
Belleview Heights Estates is a neighborhood situated in the south-central area of Ocala. It is bordered by Southeast Highway 484, Southeast Baseline Road, Southeast Highway 42, and Southeast 145th Street. The population of Belleview Heights Estates is approximately 6,000 people, with a majority being of white and Hispanic ethnicity.
The neighborhood experiences a moderate poverty rate, and the residents have an average median income and educational attainment. However, it faces challenges concerning crime rates.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Belleview Heights Estates has a violent crime rate of 10.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the national average. Additionally, the property crime rate is 34 incidents per 1,000 residents, nearly twice the national average.
As a result, residents of Belleview Heights Estates have a one in 98 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime and a one in 29 chance of experiencing a property crime. The most common types of crimes in the neighborhood include assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
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East Silver Springs Boulevard / Northeast Jacksonville Road:
East Silver Springs Boulevard / Northeast Jacksonville Road is a neighborhood located in the eastern-central part of Ocala. It is surrounded by Northeast 36th Avenue, Northeast 14th Street, Northeast 25th Avenue, and East Silver Springs Boulevard. The population of East Silver Springs Boulevard / Northeast Jacksonville Road is approximately 5,000, with the majority being of white and African American descent.
Unfortunately, the neighborhood faces significant challenges in terms of poverty, with a high poverty rate, low median income, and low educational attainment among its residents. According to data from NeighborhoodScout, the area also experiences a relatively high rate of violent crime, with 9.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the national average. The property crime rate is also concerning, at 32.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, nearly twice the national average.
As a result of these crime rates, residents of East Silver Springs Boulevard / Northeast Jacksonville Road have a one in 102 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime and a one in 31 chance of experiencing a property crime. Some of the most common crimes in the neighborhood include robbery, assault, burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
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Conclusion
Here are some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Ocala, Florida, identified based on crime statistics and reports from various sources.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to remember that crime can occur anywhere, and both residents and visitors should remain vigilant and attentive to their surroundings.
On a positive note, Ocala also boasts numerous safe and peaceful neighborhoods, along with various attractions and amenities that make it an excellent place to live and visit.
