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Jacksonville, FL has a relatively high crime rate compared to state and national averages as of 2025. The city’s total annual crime rate is 64 per 1,000 residents, consisting of 51.56 property crimes and 12.43 violent crimes per 1,000 people. A person’s chance of being victimized by violent crime in Jacksonville is one in 80, compared to one in 386 elsewhere in Florida, while the chance of property crime victimization is one in 19 in Jacksonville versus one in 64 statewide.
It can be important for people to understand the relative level of crime where they live, somewhere they may be traveling to, or a place they’re considering moving to. When examining the statistics of the Jacksonville, FL, crime rate, it’s helpful to remember that these numbers are simply one aspect of a place’s environment, and crimes occur everywhere — especially in major cities — but by practicing caution and sticking to familiar areas, you can enjoy the attractions.
About Life in Jacksonville, Florida
The city of Jacksonville is located in Duval County, along the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida, and is the most populated city in the state, with over a million residents and nearly 1,700,000 citizens within the larger metropolitan area. The city is celebrated for its pleasant weather, numerous outdoor activities and attractions, nightlife entertainment, and rich culture.
Jacksonville, Florida offers miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, extensive fine dining options, and various opportunities for high-end shopping. The city also holds a number of music festivals throughout the year, and for locals and tourists alike, there are several national parks and gardens, museums, amusement parks, the Riverside Arts Market, and the Florida Theatre.
What to Remember About Crime Statistics
Crime rates are found by compiling data collected by local law enforcement agencies, primarily focusing on violent offenses and property crimes. Violent crimes include robbery, assault and battery, rape and sexual assault, homicide, vehicular manslaughter, etc. Property offenses encompass theft and larceny, vandalism, arson, burglary, auto theft, and similar crimes.
It should be noted that statistics for an area’s frequency of criminal misconduct do not include all violations that take place and only reflect the crimes that are reported or discovered by police; it’s also unlikely that attempted crimes will be included in the data. Reporting standards and arrest procedures can also vary between departments or precincts.
Latest Crime Statistics for Jacksonville, FL
According to the most recently collected data compiled by the FBI, Jacksonville’s total annual crime rate is 64 per 1,000 residents, with a rate of 51.56 property crimes and 12.43 violent offenses per 1,000 people. Compared to the crime rate of the state and nationwide, Florida’s rate of violent crime is 2.59, below the national median of four offenses per 1,000 citizens, and the state’s overall rate of property violations is 15.66, below the national median of 20.
This means a person’s chances of being victimized by a violent crime in Jacksonville is one in 80, compared to a one in 386 chance anywhere else in the state of Florida. The chances of becoming a victim of a property crime in Jacksonville is one in 19 and one in 64 throughout Florida overall. The city of Jacksonville sees an average of 75 crimes reported per square mile, compared to 39 crimes across Florida and 27 offenses nationwide occurring per square mile.
Is Jacksonville a Safe City to Visit or Move To?
While Jacksonville does have a relatively high rate of crime, the majority of reported offenses are property violations as opposed to violent crimes. This is not uncommon to observe in any other US city with a similar population size. Safety measures can be taken to acquire a sufficient sense of security, including ensuring you’ve locked your car, installing security systems at your residence, and sticking to areas familiar to you when out at night.
Jacksonville is about as safe a place as anywhere else, both for tourists visiting the larger metropolitan area or families living in or relocating to one of the city’s suburbs. Additionally, Jacksonville is not dissimilar to other highly populated cities in the fact that there are a couple of areas in particular with a high rate of crime, meaning illegal activity is not pervasive throughout the larger metropolitan area. Whether visiting or moving, be sure to conduct your research.
FAQs
Is Jacksonville a Good Place to Live?
Jacksonville, Florida, commonly known as “Jax”, offers an appealing mix of affordable living, steady economic growth, abundant outdoor activities, and a variety of cultural attractions. Still, as with most large cities, it has its drawbacks, such as intense summer heat, the necessity of driving due to its wide layout, and crime rates that are higher than average. For individuals looking to raise a family in Jacksonville, there are many family-friendly neighborhoods and conducting your own research is advised.
What’s It Like Living in Jacksonville?
Life in Jacksonville is not unlike life in any other largely populated city, with above average career and education opportunities, adequate housing options, several places for shopping, extensive excellent restaurants available, offering unique entertainment and diverse attractions.
For Jacksonville specifically, the city is renowned for its pristine, beachy coastline and beautiful gardens and parks where spectators can enjoy the great weather and delightful scenery.
What Is the Crime Rate in Jacksonville, Florida?
The crime rate in Jacksonville is relatively high compared to the state overall and national crime rates. In compiled data reported during 2022, there were 12,071 violent crimes that occurred, making the crime rate 12.43 violent offenses occurring per 1,000 residents; that same year, 50,082 property crimes were reported, which puts the crime rate at 51.56 events of a property violation occurring per 1,000 people.
Is Downtown Jacksonville Safe for Families?
Downtown Jacksonville does have some safety issues, especially related to homelessness, but it is largely regarded as safe for families when they remain in well-lit, busy areas. Efforts by the city, such as boosting police patrols and enhancing street lighting, have helped reduce crime in the area. It’s recommended that when visiting any unfamiliar major city, you stick to areas you recognize and don’t wander into unknown territory after dark.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Lawyer if You’ve Been Charged
Legal professionals at Gates Law Firm, a criminal defense law office, have years of extensive experience representing those accused of various crimes, and our skilled defense attorneys have consistently yielded positive outcomes for our clients. Contact our team today if you need educated counsel and representation for a traffic violation or DWI, drug crimes, drug possession, marijuana possession, drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, fraud, assault, theft, or other criminal charges.
Jacksonville Criminal Defense Resources:
