| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Miami/100k people | Florida/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 316 | n/a (estimate) | 2,610 | 1,688 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 16.5 | 3.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 16.5 | 27.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 11 | n/a | 90.9 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 39 | n/a | 322.2 | 197.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 54 | n/a (estimate) | 446 | 267 | 359 |
| Burglary | 53 | n/a | 437.8 | 152.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 202 | n/a | 1,668.6 | 1,144.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 57.8 | 123.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 262 | n/a (estimate) | 2,164 | 1,420 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in South Miami is 23.2% higher 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 South Miami, there were 54 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 446 per 100,000 individuals, 24.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 262 property crimes, amounting to 2164 per 100,000 residents, 23% higher than the U.S. average.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. South Miami stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In South Miami, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 17 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
To get a feel for the safety of living in South Miami, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. South Miami presents a total crime rate that is 23% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, South Miami experiences an average of 0.87 daily crimes, comprising 0.15 violent incidents and 0.72 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 residents and potential residents to assess the crime in South Miami. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in South Miami has decreased by 33.8%. Violent crimes have increased by 8%, while property crimes have decreased by 38.6%. 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.
South Miami has a poverty rate of 12, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. South Miami, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
In South Miami, the cost of living is 51.47% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
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 Miami | Florida | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 59 | 31,023 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 4.9 | 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 |
| El Portal, FL | 2,111 | 42 | 223 | 265 |
| Bal Harbour, FL | 3,062 | 42 | 223 | 265 |
| Virginia Gardens, FL | 2,402 | 48 | 254 | 302 |
| Biscayne Park, FL | 3,165 | 51 | 270 | 321 |
| Surfside, FL | 5,821 | 87 | 462 | 549 |
| North Bay Village, FL | 8,393 | 94 | 498 | 592 |
| West Miami, FL | 8,393 | 97 | 514 | 611 |
| South Miami, FL | 12,237 | 446 | 2,164 | 2,610 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Westview, FL | 12,237 | 253 | 1,347 | 1,600 |
| Florida City, FL | 12,235 | 2,291 | 8,014 | 10,305 |
| Union, MO | 12,241 | 394 | 2,324 | 2,718 |
| Alum Rock, CA | 12,233 | 330 | 1,412 | 1,742 |
| Martinsville, IN | 12,230 | 328 | 1,444 | 1,772 |
| South Miami, FL | 12,237 | 446 | 2,164 | 2,610 |
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