West Palm Beach, located in Florida, is a popular destination for tourists and residents due to its sunny climate, stunning beaches, and diverse cultural offerings. However, it’s important to note that not all areas of the city are equally safe and tranquil.
Certain neighborhoods within West Palm Beach have experienced elevated levels of both violent and property crimes, which make them potentially unsafe for residents and visitors alike.
Drawing upon various sources and statistics, here are five neighborhoods that have been identified as particularly dangerous in terms of crime rates per 100,000 individuals.
1. North Tamarind
North Tamarind is a neighborhood located in the northwestern part of the city, near the intersection of Tamarind Avenue and Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard. It has a population of approximately 2,000 people, with a majority being African American and low-income residents.
According to AreaVibes, North Tamarind has a high rate of violent crime, with 1,186 crimes per 100,000 people. This rate is 56% higher than the West Palm Beach average and 224% higher than the national average.
The most common types of violent crimes in this area include robbery, assault, and murder. Additionally, North Tamarind has a significantly elevated property crime rate of 6,057 crimes per 100,000 people.
This rate is 86% higher than the city average and 164% higher than the national average. The most frequent property crimes in this neighborhood are burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
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2. Northwood Harbor
Northwood Harbor is a neighborhood located in the northwestern part of the city, situated along the shores of Lake Worth Lagoon. It is home to approximately 600 residents, with a predominantly white and Hispanic population. According to VanLife Wanderer, Northwood Harbor is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in West Palm Beach due to its proximity to drug-related activities and prostitution.
The neighborhood exhibits a high rate of violent crime, with 1,173 incidents per 100,000 people. This figure is 54% higher than the West Palm Beach average and 221% higher than the national average. The most prevalent types of violent crimes in this area include assault, robbery, and rape.
In addition to the alarming violent crime rate, Northwood Harbor also experiences a significant rate of property crime. With 5,968 incidents per 100,000 people, the property crime rate in this neighborhood is 85% higher than the city average and 162% higher than the national average. The most common property crimes reported are theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.
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3. Pinewood Park
Pinewood Park is a neighborhood located in the northeastern part of the city, near the intersection of Australian Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. It has a population of approximately 2,800 residents, predominantly African American and from low-income backgrounds.
According to AreaVibes, Pinewood Park has a high rate of violent crime, with 1,015 crimes per 100,000 people. This is 33% higher than the West Palm Beach average and 192% higher than the national average.
The most common violent crimes in this area include assault, robbery, and murder. Additionally, Pinewood Park experiences a significant rate of property crime, with 5,176 crimes per 100,000 people. This is 73% higher than the city average and 140% higher than the national average. The most prevalent property crimes in this area are theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.
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4. Roosevelt Estates
Roosevelt Estates is a neighborhood located in the western part of the city, near the intersection of Okeechobee Boulevard and Haverhill Road. It has a population of approximately 2,000 people, predominantly consisting of African Americans and individuals with low income.
According to AreaVibes, Roosevelt Estates has a high rate of violent crime, with 2,793 crimes per 100,000 people. This rate is 267% higher than the average for West Palm Beach and 533% higher than the national average. The most common types of violent crimes in this area include assault, robbery, and murder.
Additionally, Roosevelt Estates experiences a significant rate of property crime, with 8,021 crimes per 100,000 people. This rate is 114% higher than the city average and 217% higher than the national average. The most prevalent property crimes in this neighborhood are burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
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5. Palm Beach Lakes
Palm Beach Lakes is a neighborhood located in the central part of the city, close to the intersection of Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard and Interstate 95. It has a population of approximately 3,300 residents, primarily consisting of African Americans and individuals with low incomes. According to AreaVibes, Palm Beach Lakes has a high rate of violent crime, with 2,572 crimes per 100,000 people.
This rate is 238% higher than the average in West Palm Beach and 491% higher than the national average. The most commonly occurring violent crimes in this area include robbery, assault, and murder.
In addition, Palm Beach Lakes experiences a significant number of property crimes, with a rate of 7,744 crimes per 100,000 people. This rate is 110% higher than the city average and 209% higher than the national average. The most prevalent property crimes in this neighborhood are theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.
Conclusion
West Palm Beach is a city that offers numerous attractions and opportunities, but it also presents various dangers and risks. Certain neighborhoods are more susceptible to crime and violence compared to others, so it is advisable to exercise caution or avoid them altogether.
The aforementioned five neighborhoods are among the city’s most hazardous, based on the information and sources I’ve come across. Nonetheless, this does not imply that all other neighborhoods are entirely safe or that these areas are beyond redemption.
There might be ongoing efforts and initiatives to enhance safety and the overall quality of life in these regions, and there may also be good-hearted individuals and establishments within them. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct your own research and exercise personal judgment before visiting or residing in any neighborhood in West Palm Beach.
