Florida’s Lakeland is a city well-known for its parks, lakes, and museums. It is also well-known for housing the greatest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world, which is housed at Florida Southern College.
However, a few districts in Lakeland have high rates of violence and crime, making them dangerous for both locals and tourists. Taking into account the amount of crimes per 100,000 people, I have created a list of the top five riskiest neighborhoods in Lakeland based on my study and the facts at hand.
1. Lake Beulah
The neighborhood of Lake Beulah is situated near the intersection of South Florida Avenue and West Memorial Boulevard in the southwest region of the city. The area is home to about 250 people, most of whom are low-income members of the white ethnic group.
At 3,023 incidents per 100,000 residents, Lake Beulah has a high rate of violent crime, according to AreaVibes. This number is 772% greater than the national average and 752% higher than the Lakeland average.
Assault, robbery, and murder are the violent crimes in this area that are most frequently reported. Furthermore, property crimes are quite common in Lake Beulah, occurring at a rate of 9,657 per 100,000 residents.
This figure is 137% higher than the local average and 259% higher than the national average. The most common property crime types in this neighborhood are theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary.
2. Wire from North Lake
The neighborhood of North Lake Wire is situated in the northwest of the city, close to the intersection of East Parker Street and North Florida Avenue. Approximately 900 people live there, most of them are low-income and African American residents.
With 2,485 violent offenses per 100,000 residents, North Lake Wire has a high rate of violent crime, according to AreaVibes. This rate exceeds both the Lakeland and national averages by 600% and 635%, respectively. The most common violent crime categories in this region are murder, assault, and robbery.
North Lake Wire not only has a high violent crime rate, but it also has a high incidence of property crimes. At 8,590 crimes per 100,000 persons, the property crime rate is 230% greater than the national average and 122% higher than the municipal average. In this community, theft, burglaries, and auto theft are the most frequent property crimes.
3. South Webster Park
Situated near the junction of North Massachusetts Avenue and East Memorial Boulevard, in the northern side of the city, is a neighborhood called Webster Park South. There are about 600 people living there, most of them are African Americans and come from low-income families.
With 2,301 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Webster Park South has a high rate of violent crime, according to AreaVibes. This rate is 587 percent greater than the national average and 549 percent greater than the Lakeland average.
Assault, robbery, and rape are the three violent crimes that happen here most often. In addition, Webster Park South has a high rate of property crimes—8,378 incidents for per 100,000 residents.
Compared to the national average, this rate is 226% higher and higher by 119% than the municipal average. Theft, auto theft, and burglary are the most frequent property crimes in this area.
4. Paul A Diggs
Situated near the intersection of North Combee Road and East Main Street, in the eastern area of the city, lies the neighborhood known as Paul A Diggs. There are about 2,300 people living there, most of them are low-income African Americans.
Paul A. Diggs has a high violent crime rate, with 1,989 crimes reported per 100,000 residents, according to AreaVibes. This rate exceeds both the Lakeland and national averages by 461% and 508%, respectively.
The most frequent violent crime categories in this region are murder, assault, and robbery. Furthermore, Paul A. Diggs has a high property crime rate—7,571 incidents per 100,000 residents—reported.
Compared to the national average, this rate is 203% higher and 108% higher than the municipal average. Theft, burglary, and car theft are the three most common property crimes in this area.
5. Downtown
Situated next to Lake Mirror Park, downtown is one of the city’s most important neighborhoods. There are about 1,200 people living there, most of whom are Hispanic and Caucasian. With 1,519 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Downtown has a high rate of violent crime, according to AreaVibes.
This rate is 388% higher nationally and 328% higher in Lakeland than it is in that area. The most common violent crimes in this area are rape, robbery, and assault.
Furthermore, Downtown has a notable 6,720 property crimes per 100,000 residents. This rate exceeds both the municipal and national averages by 95% and 181%, respectively. In this location, car theft, burglary, and theft are the most frequent property crimes.
In summary
Although Lakeland is a city full of opportunity and attractions, it is not without its share of risks and perils. Some communities are more likely than others to experience crime and violence, so you should approach them carefully or avoid them altogether.
Based on information from sources and statistics accessible, the five neighborhoods described above are thought to be among the most dangerous. This does not, however, mean that other communities are unsafe or that there is no hope left in these places.
There might be good people and notable businesses in these areas, and there might be efforts and initiatives in place to improve safety and quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to carry out independent investigation and use personal discretion prior to entering or staying in any Lakeland neighborhood.