| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Key West/100k people | Florida/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 645 | n/a (estimate) | 2,612 | 1,688 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 52.6 | 27.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 32.4 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 66 | n/a | 267.2 | 197.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 87 | n/a (estimate) | 352 | 267 | 359 |
| Burglary | 53 | n/a | 214.6 | 152.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 491 | n/a | 1,988.1 | 1,144.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 56.7 | 123.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 558 | n/a (estimate) | 2,259 | 1,420 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Key West is 23.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 87 violent crimes reported in Key West, equivalent to 352 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 1.9%. Additionally, Key West recorded 558 property crimes, amounting to 2259 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 28.4%.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Key West is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Key West reported 352 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Key West reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
What do the local residents think about crime in Key West? Well, based on a recent survey of 95 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 52% of Key West residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 48% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Key West, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Key West presents a total crime rate that is 23% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Key West experiences an average of 1.77 daily crimes, comprising 0.24 violent incidents and 1.53 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Key West crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Key West has increased by 16% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 17.9% and property crime has increased by 24%.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Key West crime rates. In Key West, the poverty rate stands at 10.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Key West crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Key West has an unemployment rate of 1.4%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Key West has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 4.75 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
| Item | Key West | Florida | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 120 | 31,023 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.8 | 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 |
| Big Coppitt Key, FL | 2,712 | 42 | 223 | 265 |
| Stock Island, FL | 4,827 | 91 | 483 | 574 |
| Key West, FL | 25,464 | 352 | 2,259 | 2,612 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Conway, SC | 25,463 | 445 | 1,975 | 2,419 |
| Wyandotte, MI | 25,473 | 240 | 824 | 1,064 |
| Elk River, MN | 25,478 | 90 | 1,006 | 1,096 |
| Hazleton, PA | 25,442 | 233 | 492 | 725 |
| Riverbank, CA | 25,441 | 164 | 1,525 | 1,689 |
| Key West, FL | 25,464 | 352 | 2,259 | 2,612 |
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