Belle Glade, FL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Belle Glade, FL

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Belle Glade crime rate is 59.3% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Belle Glade, there were 219 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1310 per 100,000 individuals, 254.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, Belle Glade recorded 400 property crimes, amounting to 2392 per 100,000 residents, 22.4% higher than the U.S. average.

With a violent crime rate of 1310 crimes per 100,000 residents, Belle Glade is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Belle Glade ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 77 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Belle Glade ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Belle Glade, there were a total of 6 murders, translating to 36 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Belle Glade?

AreaVibes surveyed 23 local residents in Belle Glade to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 0% of people answered that there was very little crime in Belle Glade and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 100% 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.

Is Belle Glade a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Belle Glade is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Belle Glade has an overall crime rate that is 59% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.7 daily occurrences, comprising 0.6 violent crimes and 1.1 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Belle Glade as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Belle Glade Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Belle Glade. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Belle Glade has decreased by 12.7%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 18.4%, while property crime has decreased by 23.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Belle Glade.

Potential Causes for Crime in Belle Glade

In Belle Glade, the cost of living is 8.58% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

Belle Glade has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Belle Glade, the average monthly rent stands at $638, while the national average is $949 per month.

Belle Glade crime map