Florida’s Clearwater is well known for its breathtaking beaches, fascinating aquariums, and exciting events. With a population of more than 3 million, it is an important part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area.
However, there are some neighborhoods in Clearwater that are less safe for both locals and visitors due to crime and violence. Considering the number of crimes per 100,000 residents, I have determined five of Clearwater’s most dangerous neighborhoods based on my research and data from other sources.
1. Country Club Estates
The neighborhood known as Country Club Estates is situated in the northeastern section of the city, not far from the intersection of Sunset Point Road and McMullen Booth Road. There are about 500 people living there, most of them are white and come from low-income backgrounds.
With 3,080 recorded crimes per 100,000 residents, AreaVibes reports that violent crime is prevalent in Country Club Estates. This number is 786% greater than the national average and 689% higher than the Clearwater average.
Assault, robbery, and murder are the violent crimes that happen here most frequently. Country Club Estates also has a high rate of property crime, with 11,236 recorded incidents for every 100,000 people.
Compared to the national average, this rate is 300% higher and higher by 160% in the city. In this neighborhood, theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary are the most frequent property crimes.
2. The Wyatt Street
In the northwest of the city, near the intersection of Wyatt Street and North Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, is a neighborhood called Wyatt Street. It is home to about 1,100 people, the majority of whom are African Americans and low-income citizens.
With 1,688 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Wyatt Street has a high violent crime rate, according to AreaVibes. This rate exceeds both the national average of 431% and the Clearwater average by 332%. The most frequent violent crime categories in this region are murder, assault, and robbery.
In addition, there are a lot of property crimes committed on Wyatt Street—7,792 crimes for per 100,000 residents. Compared to the national average, this rate is 209% higher and higher by 111% than the municipal average. Theft, burglary, and auto theft are the three most common property crimes in this community.
3. Estancia Townes
Situated close to the intersection of Belleair Road and US Highway 19, in the southeast of the city, is the residential neighborhood known as Estancia Townes. There are roughly ninety people living in the neighborhood, most of whom are low-income White people. With 1,377 violent offenses per 100,000 residents, Estancia Townes has a high violent crime rate, according to AreaVibes.
This rate is 351% higher nationally and 253% higher in Clearwater than it is in that category. The most common violent crimes in this area are rape, robbery, and assault. In addition, Estancia Townes has a high rate of property crimes—7,477 crimes for per 100,000 residents.
This number is 201% greater than the national average and 107% higher than the average for the city. In this neighborhood, theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary are the most frequent property crimes.
4. Sevilla
Seville is a neighborhood close to the intersection of Belleair Road and South Missouri Avenue in the southwest region of the city. There are about 200 persons living there, most of them being white people with modest incomes.
With 1,177 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Seville has a high rate of violent crime, 202% more than the Clearwater average and 300% more than the national average, according to AreaVibes. The most common violent crimes in this area are rape, robbery, and assault.
Furthermore, there is a high rate of property crime in Seville—6,849 offenses per 100,000 residents—which is 184% greater than the national average and 98% higher than the city average. In this neighborhood, theft, burglaries, and auto theft are the most prevalent property crime kinds.
5. Ashland Heights
Situated in the southern side of the city, near the intersection of Druid Road and South Highland Avenue, lies the neighborhood known as Ashland Heights. There are about 100 people living there, most of whom are white, low-income citizens. With 1,129 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Ashland Heights has a high rate of violent crime, according to AreaVibes. Compared to the national average, this rate is 287% higher and higher by 189% over the Clearwater average. The most common violent crimes in this area are rape, robbery, and assault.
Apart from the elevated rate of violent crime, Ashland Heights is confronted with a noteworthy problem of property crime. At 6,557 offenses per 100,000 residents, the area has a property crime rate that is 94% higher than the city average and 176% more than the national average. Theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary are the most often reported property crimes in this area.
In summary
Although Clearwater is a city full of opportunity and attractions, it also has its fair share of risks and perils. There are some neighborhoods that are more likely to have crime and violence than others, so you should be cautious or stay away from them completely.
Based on the information and sources I have found, the five neighborhoods described above are some of the most dangerous in the city. This does not, however, mean that certain communities are unredeemable or that no other community is safe.
These places may have genuine nice people and establishments tucked away, as well as continuous attempts and endeavors to improve safety and general quality of life. Thus, before moving into or living in any Clearwater neighborhood, it is imperative that you do your own research and use your own discretion.