The United States’ crime rate has been on a downward slope for a couple years now. (Who knows if the recession will change that.) Florida’s crime rate has not been as lucky. Our state’s crime rate has increased during the same period, albeit in small percentages. For example, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida’s index crime rate rose 0.1 percent in 2008 over 2007.
But coincidentally another piece of info hit my inbox today: Forbes annual America’s Most Dangerous Cities. How does Florida stack up?
The Miami metro area earned a No. 3 designation as one of only three major U.S. cities with more than 950 violent crimes committed per 100,000 people.
Orlando made the top 10 at No. 6. And West Palm Beach hit No. 13.
Props to Tampa, who once made these lists but is now enjoying a huge drop in crime.
Crime Boss says:
With budget cuts and a down economy, expect crime rates to go up. But maybe they’ll go up more outside of Florida and we’ll look better in comparison.
Tom Whitlock says:
Here are some crime rate stats for Florida.
http://www.homefacts.com/crime/Florida.html