Orlando boasts renowned attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, and numerous captivating theme parks. However, like any urban area, it is important to be aware of crime and certain unsafe neighborhoods.
Various crime websites have listed Orlando among the top 7 most perilous cities in the United States. It is worth noting that larger cities often have areas with higher crime rates.
To ensure your safety, here are a few neighborhood names you should be mindful of, to help you avoid becoming a victim of crime.
7 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Orlando
In Orlando, there are some neighborhoods that are commonly considered to have higher crime rates and other challenges. Here are a few neighborhoods that are often mentioned:
1. Mercy Drive
This area was once infamous for its extremely terrible crimes. Incidents such as robbery, rape, murder, assault (both aggravated and simple), and manslaughter were frequently reported. Additionally, drug dealing, vandalism, and car theft were widespread.
The neighborhood has a total population of 1,836, with a majority of residents belonging to the low-income category. This could explain the high crime rate. Although there has been a slight decrease in crime during this century, the reduction has been minimal, averaging only 7% per year.
Despite the active involvement of the police in pursuing criminals and their continuous patrol of the area, the local media frequently reports incidents of targeted and drive-by shootings.
According to FBI statistics, the rate of violent crimes in this neighborhood is 763% higher than the national average, with the overall crime rate being 409% higher. As a result, residents face a one in eight chance of becoming a victim of crime.
Also Read:
2. Malibu Groves
Although the population of 1,165 may seem small and suggest a low likelihood of criminal activities, the estimated overall crime rate per 100,000 individuals is 8,573.
According to Spotcrime, the offenses that are most prevalent in the area are assault, theft, burglary, and vandalism, listed in that order. From November 2019 to May 2020, there were only two reported gunshots and eight arrests.
Compared to other communities in Florida, Malibu forests are only marginally safer, with a 5% lower crime rate. The chances of becoming a crime victim in this area are approximately 1 in 12. Walking around the neighborhood does not typically induce a high level of anxiety, especially for women.
3. Roosevelt Park
Despite its small population of 484 people, this particular area in Orlando experiences a high crime rate. Property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes, with 6,666 out of 8,673 crimes per 100,000 people attributed to property offenses. Interestingly, theft has now surpassed vandalism as the most commonly reported crime in Roosevelt Park.
Opinions among residents are divided when it comes to the desirability of taking walks in the park. This decision often relies on logic and personal judgment. It’s worth noting that there is no police patrol in the park after dusk.
The overall crime rates in these communities are 237 percent higher than the national average, although they are still considered safer than 5 percent of cities in Florida.
Also Read:
4. Johnson village
Johnson Village, with a population of 1,011, has a livability score of 89. Unfortunately, the community is plagued by crimes such as violence and theft, as reported by Spotcrime. In the month of May 2020 alone, there were 18 cases of assault and 13 cases of theft.
Over the previous six months, the numbers were even higher, with 78 assaults and 59 thefts recorded. Additionally, there has been an alarming increase in burglaries, vandalism, and shootings. The overall crime rate stands at 9,372 per 100,000 individuals, with approximately 1 in 11 residents falling victim to crime.
On a more positive note, for visitors looking for safe accommodation in the area, the Hyatt Regency Orlando and Floriday’s Resort Orlando are highly recommended as the safest hotels in Johnson Village.
Also Read:
5. Lake Mann Gardens
With a population of approximately 650 individuals, this locality exhibits minimal potential for violence. Despite residents overwhelmingly agreeing on the community’s tranquility and the security offered by curfews, the area still experiences recurring concerns regarding assault and theft. According to Spotcrime, there have been 48 incidents of assault and 30 incidents of theft within the past six months.
The overall crime rate stands at 5,293 per 100,000 population, which is 105% higher than the national average. The projected number of violent crimes is 353% higher. In this neighborhood, the likelihood of falling victim to a crime is 1 in 19.
Also Read:
6. New Malibu
This particular region, including Roosevelt Park and Lake Mann Gardens, has a population of 408 people. The crime rate here resembles that of Lake Mann Gardens, experiencing an increase in incidents of assault and theft.
Based on Spotcrime data, there have been 58 assault incidents and 33 theft incidents in the past six months. The number of petty offenses adds up to 161, highlighting the ease with which one can fall victim to cash theft in this area.
Unfortunately, there is no available information regarding the frequency of police patrols in this specific location.
The overall crime rate in this area is 4,522 per 100,000 population, with violent offenses being 222% higher than the national average. However, compared to other cities in Florida, New Malibu is considered safer than only 22% of them.
7. Washington Shores
This neighborhood, located in the southwest of Orlando, is predominantly inhabited by black residents and is estimated to have a population of 1,024 individuals. It experiences higher rates of various reported crimes, including theft, burglary, shootings, vandalism, assault, and arrests.
According to data analysis conducted by Spotcrime, there have been over 500 recorded incidents in the past six months alone. The presence of gangs in Orlando is not clearly evident but cannot be completely ruled out.
Due to the prevailing crime situation, caution is advised when taking walks at night, particularly in suspicious areas. It is recommended that female visitors go in pairs or groups to enhance safety.
Although there has been a 7% decline in overall crime over the years, the occurrence of violent crimes in this neighborhood is significantly higher, with rates 369% above the national average.
