| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bartow/100k people | Florida/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 478 | n/a (estimate) | 2,282 | 1,688 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 4.8 | 3.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 43.0 | 27.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 66.8 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 79 | n/a | 377.1 | 197.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 103 | n/a (estimate) | 492 | 267 | 359 |
| Burglary | 78 | n/a | 372.4 | 152.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 272 | n/a | 1,298.4 | 1,144.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 25 | n/a | 119.3 | 123.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 375 | n/a (estimate) | 1,790 | 1,420 | 1,760 |

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 Bartow crime rate is higher than the national average by 7.7%. Specifically, there were 103 violent crimes in Bartow, equivalent to 492 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 36.9%. Furthermore, Bartow recorded 375 property crimes, amounting to 1790 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 1.7%.
The Bartow crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Bartow, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
In the most recent release, Bartow reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Bartow, there were 1790 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
AreaVibes surveyed 12 local residents in Bartow to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 58% of people answered that there was very little crime in Bartow and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 42% 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bartow a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bartow crime rate is 8% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.31 crimes per day - 0.28 violent crimes and 1.03 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in Bartow has increased by 2.6% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Bartow is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 119.2%, while property crime has increased by 10.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Bartow.
Bartow has a poverty rate that stands at 17.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Bartow crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Bartow has a population density of 444.1 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Bartow crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Bartow, the average monthly rent stands at $1,302, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Bartow | Florida | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 63 | 31,023 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.6 | 4.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Florida /100K | National /100K |
| Florida | 53,771 | 330 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lakeland Highlands, FL | 11,828 | 102 | 541 | 643 |
| Eagle Lake, FL | 2,839 | 115 | 613 | 728 |
| Crooked Lake Park, FL | 1,644 | 130 | 693 | 823 |
| Alturas, FL | 3,859 | 159 | 847 | 1,006 |
| Lake Alfred, FL | 6,132 | 78 | 1,020 | 1,098 |
| Wahneta, FL | 4,120 | 199 | 1,057 | 1,256 |
| Cypress Gardens, FL | 10,306 | 218 | 1,157 | 1,375 |
| Bartow, FL | 20,388 | 492 | 1,790 | 2,282 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Blythe, CA | 20,378 | 404 | 1,091 | 1,495 |
| Belle Glade, FL | 20,401 | 1,327 | 2,660 | 3,987 |
| Mililani Mauka, HI | 20,370 | 127 | 1,137 | 1,264 |
| Havelock, NC | 20,409 | 205 | 1,575 | 1,780 |
| Howard, WI | 20,411 | 199 | 827 | 1,027 |
| Bartow, FL | 20,388 | 492 | 1,790 | 2,282 |