| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Miami/100k people | Florida/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 380 | n/a (estimate) | 3,268 | 1,807 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.7 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 17.2 | 29.9 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 18 | n/a | 154.8 | 42.3 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 63 | n/a | 541.8 | 213.3 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 83 | n/a (estimate) | 714 | 290 | 364 |
| Burglary | 40 | n/a | 344.0 | 163.1 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 257 | n/a | 2,210.2 | 1,221.5 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 131.8 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 297 | n/a (estimate) | 2,554 | 1,516 | 1,917 |
The South Miami crime rates are 30.6% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 65 violent crimes in South Miami (560 per 100,000 people), which is 51.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 287 property crimes (2475 per 100,000 residents) which is 26.6% higher than average.
In the latest reported crime year, South Miami recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. South Miami was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
Is South Miami a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, South Miami has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 31%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.96 daily incidents, encompassing 0.18 violent crimes and 0.79 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of South Miami as a potential place to call home.
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 26.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 30%, while property crimes have decreased by 32.8%. 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 Miami, the cost of living is 33.05% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in South Miami stands at $569,100, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
In South Miami, the average rental rates are $1,409 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| 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 | 2,066 | 45 | 238 | 283 |
| Biscayne Park, FL | 3,089 | 55 | 289 | 344 |
| North Bay Village, FL | 8,108 | 102 | 532 | 634 |
| Miami Springs, FL | 14,041 | 110 | 578 | 688 |
| Olympia Heights, FL | 14,261 | 110 | 578 | 688 |
| Sunset, FL | 14,869 | 110 | 578 | 688 |
| Fisher Island, FL | 360 | 117 | 612 | 730 |
| South Miami, FL | 11,958 | 714 | 2,554 | 3,268 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| East Bethel, MN | 11,958 | 181 | 1,181 | 1,362 |
| Lantana, FL | 11,958 | 146 | 765 | 911 |
| Pecos, TX | 11,957 | 774 | 677 | 1,451 |
| Westview, FL | 11,955 | 275 | 1,438 | 1,713 |
| Lansing, KS | 11,955 | 215 | 708 | 923 |
| South Miami, FL | 11,958 | 714 | 2,554 | 3,268 |
Here are the best places to live in Florida
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Florida
Check out the 10 safest cities in Florida
See the best places to live in South Miami