| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Bay/100k people | Florida/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 154 | n/a (estimate) | 3,149 | 1,688 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 20.4 | 3.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 122.7 | 27.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 61.3 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 39 | n/a | 797.4 | 197.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 49 | n/a (estimate) | 1,002 | 267 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 245.3 | 152.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 88 | n/a | 1,799.2 | 1,144.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 102.2 | 123.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 105 | n/a (estimate) | 2,147 | 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 South Bay is 48.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 49 violent crimes reported in South Bay, equivalent to 1002 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 179%. Additionally, South Bay recorded 105 property crimes, amounting to 2147 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 22%.
South Bay has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1002 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, South Bay falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 100 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. South Bay has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 1 murders in South Bay, which is 20 murders per 100,000 people.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of South Bay residents. Out of the respondents (9 in total), 0% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in South Bay were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 100% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is South Bay 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 South Bay crime rate is 49% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.42 crimes per day - 0.13 violent crimes and 0.29 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in South Bay. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in South Bay has increased by 32.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 40%, while property crimes have increased by 29.6%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In South Bay, 43.5% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
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 South Bay, the cost of living is 7.7% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
South Bay has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0 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.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | South Bay | Florida | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 9 | 31,023 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 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 |
| Clewiston, FL | 8,079 | 153 | 361 | 513 |
| Harlem, FL | 2,798 | 162 | 864 | 1,027 |
| Canal Point, FL | 491 | 306 | 1,629 | 1,936 |
| Pahokee, FL | 6,413 | 1,132 | 2,245 | 3,377 |
| Belle Glade, FL | 20,401 | 1,327 | 2,660 | 3,987 |
| South Bay, FL | 6,857 | 1,002 | 2,147 | 3,149 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Church Hill, TN | 6,857 | 27 | 274 | 301 |
| Roslyn Heights, NY | 6,857 | 124 | 559 | 683 |
| Folcroft, PA | 6,856 | 536 | 2,263 | 2,799 |
| Lake Murray of Richland, SC | 6,856 | 142 | 639 | 781 |
| Vandalia, IL | 6,854 | 41 | 1,187 | 1,228 |
| South Bay, FL | 6,857 | 1,002 | 2,147 | 3,149 |
Here are the best places to live in Florida
Safest Cities In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Florida
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Florida