Panama City, FL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Panama City, FL

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Panama City crime rate is higher than the national average by 54.3%. Specifically, there were 240 violent crimes in Panama City, equivalent to 678 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 83.4%. Furthermore, Panama City recorded 1029 property crimes, amounting to 2908 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 48.8%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Panama City?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Panama City. Based on the results of the surveys (36 responses), 47% of people felt that there was very little crime in Panama City and felt safe walking alone at night. While 53% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Panama City a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Panama City, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Panama City presents a total crime rate that is 54% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Panama City experiences an average of 3.48 daily crimes, comprising 0.66 violent incidents and 2.82 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Panama City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Panama City has decreased by 27.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Panama City is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 20.8%, while property crime has decreased by 29.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Panama City.

Potential Causes for Crime in Panama City

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Panama City crime rates. The population density in Panama City is 1023.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Panama City, the cost of living is 7.56% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In Panama City, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.5 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Panama City crime map