Orlando, Florida, often celebrated for its world-renowned theme parks and vibrant tourist attractions, harbors a less publicized aspect of urban life: the presence of high-crime neighborhoods. In 2024, certain areas in Orlando exhibit alarmingly high rates of violent crime, challenging the city’s otherwise welcoming image. This article delves into the ten most dangerous neighborhoods in Orlando, underlining the stark contrast between the city’s tourist havens and these high-risk areas.
- Mercy Drive: With a population of 1,549, Mercy Drive tops the list with a violent crime rate of 4,155 per 100,000 people, a staggering 397% of the Orlando average.
- North Orange: Home to 1,237 residents, North Orange experiences a violent crime rate of 3,082 per 100,000 people, 269% higher than the city’s average.
- Malibu Groves: This neighborhood, with a population of 1,140, reports a violent crime rate of 2,961 per 100,000 people, which is 254% of the Orlando average.
- Roosevelt Park: Although smaller in population with only 395 residents, Roosevelt Park’s violent crime rate stands at 2,550 per 100,000 people, 205% above the Orlando average.
- Johnson Village: With 561 residents, Johnson Village faces a violent crime rate of 2,536 per 100,000 people, 203% higher than the city’s average.
- Lake Sunset: This area, with a population of 1,076, has a violent crime rate of 2,446 per 100,000 people, or 193% of the Orlando average.
- Carver Shores: Hosting 1,267 people, Carver Shores experiences a violent crime rate of 2,279 per 100,000 people, which is 173% above the Orlando average.
- Washington Shores: With 1,014 residents, this neighborhood has a violent crime rate of 2,256 per 100,000 people, 170% of the city’s average.
- Lake Mann Gardens: Despite its small population of 510, Lake Mann Gardens reports a violent crime rate of 2,179 per 100,000 people, 161% higher than Orlando’s average.
- Signal Hill: The largest neighborhood on this list with 3,390 residents, Signal Hill has a violent crime rate of 2,152 per 100,000 people, 157% of the city’s average.
Orlando’s overall crime rate is 109.3% higher than the national average. The city reported 2,597 violent crimes, equivalent to 836 per 100,000 individuals, and 12,517 property crimes, amounting to 4,028 per 100,000 residents. This places Orlando among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, with a violent crime rate of 836 per 100,000 people, and a property crime rate significantly higher than the national average.
The analysis from NeighborhoodScout reveals that Orlando’s crime rate is one of the highest in the nation, with a rate of 44 crimes per one thousand residents. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 23. Violent offenses tracked included rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. Moreover, Orlando has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation.
These statistics and neighborhood-specific data paint a complex picture of Orlando. While the city is a hub of tourism and entertainment, it also grapples with serious crime challenges in certain areas. Understanding these disparities is crucial for residents, potential movers, and visitors to make informed decisions about safety and security in Orlando. This insight also underscores the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement to ensure safety across all neighborhoods.