| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Palm Bay/100k people | Florida/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,926 | n/a (estimate) | 1,365 | 1,688 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 11 | n/a | 7.8 | 3.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 67 | n/a | 47.5 | 27.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 73 | n/a | 51.7 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 339 | n/a | 240.2 | 197.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 490 | n/a (estimate) | 347 | 267 | 359 |
| Burglary | 324 | n/a | 229.6 | 152.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,023 | n/a | 724.8 | 1,144.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 89 | n/a | 63.1 | 123.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,436 | n/a (estimate) | 1,017 | 1,420 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Palm Bay is 35.6% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Palm Bay, there were 490 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 347 per 100,000 individuals, 3.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1436 property crimes, amounting to 1017 per 100,000 residents, 42.2% lower than the U.S. average.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Palm Bay is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Palm Bay reported 347 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Palm Bay residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 76 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 62% of Palm Bay residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 38% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Palm Bay is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Palm Bay has a total crime rate that is 36% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 5.28 daily crimes (1.34 violent daily crimes and 3.93 daily property crimes) in Palm Bay.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Palm Bay has decreased by 8.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Palm Bay, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 49.4%, while property crime has decreased by 18.9%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Palm Bay is a safe place to live.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Palm Bay, the cost of living is 1.41% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Palm Bay, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.21 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Palm Bay has a median home price of $314,273, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Palm Bay | Florida | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 231 | 31,023 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Indialantic, FL | 2,956 | 42 | 223 | 265 |
| Melbourne Beach, FL | 3,344 | 51 | 270 | 321 |
| Malabar, FL | 3,190 | 51 | 270 | 321 |
| Palm Shores, FL | 1,662 | 58 | 307 | 364 |
| Grant-Valkaria, FL | 4,385 | 69 | 369 | 438 |
| Roseland, FL | 1,610 | 78 | 415 | 493 |
| South Patrick Shores, FL | 7,334 | 87 | 462 | 549 |
| Palm Bay, FL | 116,937 | 347 | 1,017 | 1,365 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Clovis, CA | 117,046 | 245 | 1,666 | 1,910 |
| Carlsbad, CA | 117,067 | 199 | 1,511 | 1,710 |
| Spring Hill, FL | 116,693 | 326 | 1,733 | 2,059 |
| North Charleston, SC | 117,218 | 810 | 3,956 | 4,766 |
| El Monte, CA | 116,590 | 423 | 2,052 | 2,475 |
| Palm Bay, FL | 116,937 | 347 | 1,017 | 1,365 |
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