| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Panama City/100k people | Florida/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,040 | n/a (estimate) | 2,838 | 1,688 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 8.2 | 3.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 21 | n/a | 57.3 | 27.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 24.6 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 205 | n/a | 559.4 | 197.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 238 | n/a (estimate) | 649 | 267 | 359 |
| Burglary | 147 | n/a | 401.1 | 152.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 616 | n/a | 1,680.9 | 1,144.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 39 | n/a | 106.4 | 123.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 802 | n/a (estimate) | 2,189 | 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 Panama City is 33.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 238 violent crimes reported in Panama City, equivalent to 649 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 80.9%. Additionally, Panama City recorded 802 property crimes, amounting to 2189 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 24.3%.
AreaVibes surveyed 38 local residents in Panama City to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 47% of people answered that there was very little crime in Panama City and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 53% 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Panama City, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Panama City presents a total crime rate that is 34% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Panama City experiences an average of 2.85 daily crimes, comprising 0.65 violent incidents and 2.2 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Panama City has decreased by 40.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Panama City, 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 decreased by 21.5%, while property crime has decreased by 44.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Panama City is a safe place to live.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Panama City, the cost of living is 6.86% lower than the national average.
In Panama City, the median home price stands at $301,758, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
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 Panama City, the average monthly rent stands at $1,452, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| Item | Panama City | Florida | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 130 | 31,023 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 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 |
| Pretty Bayou, FL | 2,975 | 66 | 352 | 418 |
| Lower Grand Lagoon, FL | 4,867 | 88 | 471 | 559 |
| Lynn Haven, FL | 21,344 | 142 | 643 | 785 |
| Panama City Beach, FL | 13,190 | 131 | 697 | 828 |
| Upper Grand Lagoon, FL | 18,531 | 161 | 858 | 1,019 |
| Cedar Grove, FL | 3,596 | 170 | 902 | 1,071 |
| Callaway, FL | 15,068 | 272 | 1,444 | 1,716 |
| Panama City, FL | 36,673 | 649 | 2,189 | 2,838 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cooper City, FL | 36,683 | 115 | 613 | 729 |
| Peachtree City, GA | 36,655 | 22 | 816 | 838 |
| Mount Vernon, WA | 36,653 | 190 | 1,776 | 1,966 |
| Oswego, IL | 36,709 | 34 | 552 | 586 |
| West Hollywood, CA | 36,619 | 884 | 5,491 | 6,375 |
| Panama City, FL | 36,673 | 649 | 2,189 | 2,838 |
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