| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Winter Haven/100k people | Florida/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,077 | n/a (estimate) | 1,962 | 1,825 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 3.6 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 50 | n/a | 91.1 | 30.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 12.7 | 33.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 115 | n/a | 209.5 | 190.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 174 | n/a (estimate) | 317 | 259 | 370 |
| Burglary | 125 | n/a | 227.7 | 173.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 707 | n/a | 1,287.7 | 1,254.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 71 | n/a | 129.3 | 138.0 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 903 | n/a (estimate) | 1,645 | 1,566 | 1,954 |
The Winter Haven crime rates are 15.6% lower 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 174 violent crimes in Winter Haven (317 per 100,000 people), which is 14.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 903 property crimes (1645 per 100,000 residents) which is 15.9% lower than average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Winter Haven residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 49 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 41% of Winter Haven 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, 59% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Winter Haven is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Winter Haven has an overall crime rate that is 16% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.95 daily occurrences, comprising 0.48 violent crimes and 2.47 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Winter Haven as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Winter Haven. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Winter Haven has decreased by 1.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 1.8%, while property crime has decreased by 1.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Winter Haven.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Winter Haven crime rates. The population density in Winter Haven is 1307.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 Winter Haven, the cost of living is 8.88% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Winter Haven has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.08 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.
| Item | Winter Haven | Florida | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 107 | 31,023 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 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 |
| Davenport, FL | 5,420 | 48 | 654 | 702 |
| Grenelefe, FL | 3,073 | 104 | 630 | 735 |
| Crooked Lake Park, FL | 1,591 | 131 | 793 | 924 |
| Babson Park, FL | 1,451 | 134 | 810 | 944 |
| Polk City, FL | 2,417 | 139 | 841 | 981 |
| Eagle Lake, FL | 2,758 | 141 | 854 | 995 |
| Waverly, FL | 734 | 142 | 859 | 1,001 |
| Winter Haven, FL | 42,933 | 317 | 1,645 | 1,962 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Goose Creek, SC | 42,944 | 279 | 1,789 | 2,068 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | 42,944 | 289 | 1,641 | 1,930 |
| DeKalb, IL | 42,961 | 547 | 2,579 | 3,127 |
| Campbell, CA | 42,891 | 353 | 3,069 | 3,423 |
| Freeport, NY | 42,993 | 482 | 1,936 | 2,418 |
| Winter Haven, FL | 42,933 | 317 | 1,645 | 1,962 |
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