Port St. Lucie, FL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Port St. Lucie, FL

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Port St. Lucie crime rate is 62.2% lower 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 Port St. Lucie, there were 267 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 117 per 100,000 individuals, 68.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Port St. Lucie recorded 1743 property crimes, amounting to 762 per 100,000 residents, 61% lower than the U.S. average.

Port St. Lucie shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 117 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Port St. Lucie an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Port St. Lucie?

AreaVibes surveyed 92 local residents in Port St. Lucie to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 71% of people answered that there was very little crime in Port St. Lucie and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 29% 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 Port St. Lucie a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Port St. Lucie a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Port St. Lucie crime rate is 62% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 5.51 crimes per day - 0.73 violent crimes and 4.78 property crimes.

Has Crime in Port St. Lucie Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Port St. Lucie has increased by 4.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Port St. Lucie 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 increased by 1.1%, while property crime has increased by 4.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Port St. Lucie.

Potential Causes for Crime in Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie has a poverty rate that stands at 9.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Port St. Lucie crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Port St. Lucie crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Port St. Lucie has an unemployment rate of 3%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Port St. Lucie has a population density of 1642.2 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Port St. Lucie crime rates.

Port St. Lucie crime map