| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Winter Haven/100k people | Florida/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,061 | n/a (estimate) | 1,785 | 1,688 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 6.7 | 3.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 5.0 | 27.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 23.5 | 38.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 119 | n/a | 200.2 | 197.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 140 | n/a (estimate) | 235 | 267 | 359 |
| Burglary | 96 | n/a | 161.5 | 152.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 760 | n/a | 1,278.4 | 1,144.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 65 | n/a | 109.3 | 123.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 921 | n/a (estimate) | 1,549 | 1,420 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Winter Haven crime rate is lower than the national average by 15.8%. Specifically, there were 140 violent crimes in Winter Haven, equivalent to 235 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 34.4%. Furthermore, Winter Haven recorded 921 property crimes, amounting to 1549 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 12%.
Winter Haven has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1549 property crimes in Winter Haven, while the national average was 1760 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.
AreaVibes surveyed 49 local residents in Winter Haven to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 41% of people answered that there was very little crime in Winter Haven and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 59% 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 determine if Winter Haven is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Winter Haven has a total crime rate that is 16% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.91 daily crimes (0.38 violent daily crimes and 2.52 daily property crimes) in Winter Haven.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Winter Haven crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Winter Haven has decreased by 2.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 18.1% and property crime has decreased by 0.1%.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Winter Haven crime rate. The poverty level in Winter Haven is 16.7%, while the national average is 15.1%.
In Winter Haven, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Winter Haven crime rates.
In Winter Haven, the cost of living is 5.42% lower 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.
| 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 | 5,569 | 74 | 344 | 418 |
| Lakeland Highlands, FL | 11,828 | 102 | 541 | 643 |
| Polk City, FL | 2,510 | 108 | 574 | 682 |
| Babson Park, FL | 1,481 | 109 | 580 | 689 |
| Eagle Lake, FL | 2,839 | 115 | 613 | 728 |
| Grenelefe, FL | 3,141 | 125 | 665 | 790 |
| Crooked Lake Park, FL | 1,644 | 130 | 693 | 823 |
| Winter Haven, FL | 44,524 | 235 | 1,549 | 1,785 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Prescott, AZ | 44,634 | 335 | 1,117 | 1,452 |
| Ormond Beach, FL | 44,412 | 203 | 1,078 | 1,280 |
| Freeport, NY | 44,654 | 343 | 1,555 | 1,898 |
| Burlington, VT | 44,321 | 479 | 4,290 | 4,769 |
| Sherman, TX | 44,313 | 353 | 1,913 | 2,266 |
| Winter Haven, FL | 44,524 | 235 | 1,549 | 1,785 |
Here are the best places to live in Florida
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Safest States In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Florida