| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sanford/100k people | Florida/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,184 | n/a (estimate) | 3,401 | 1,807 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 12.5 | 4.7 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 56 | n/a | 87.2 | 29.9 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 62 | n/a | 96.5 | 42.3 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 273 | n/a | 425.1 | 213.3 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 399 | n/a (estimate) | 621 | 290 | 364 |
| Burglary | 181 | n/a | 281.9 | 163.1 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 1,329 | n/a | 2,069.5 | 1,221.5 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 275 | n/a | 428.2 | 131.8 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 1,785 | n/a (estimate) | 2,780 | 1,516 | 1,917 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Sanford is 52.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 351 violent crimes reported in Sanford, equivalent to 579 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 56.6%. Additionally, Sanford recorded 1797 property crimes, amounting to 2965 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 51.7%.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Sanford residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 55 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 55% of Sanford residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 45% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Sanford 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, Sanford has an overall crime rate that is 53% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 5.88 daily occurrences, comprising 0.96 violent crimes and 4.92 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Sanford as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Sanford crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Sanford has increased by 12.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 31.3% and property crime has increased by 28.7%.
Sanford has a poverty rate of 16.6, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Sanford, 83.2% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
The median home price in Sanford is $176,600, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
| Item | Sanford | Florida | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 131 | 31,023 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 4.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Florida /100K | National /100K |
| Florida | 53,771 | 330 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Chuluota, FL | 1,939 | 55 | 288 | 343 |
| Geneva, FL | 3,164 | 55 | 289 | 344 |
| Black Hammock, FL | 1,080 | 75 | 392 | 467 |
| Lake Helen, FL | 2,787 | 101 | 371 | 473 |
| Heathrow, FL | 6,898 | 94 | 493 | 587 |
| Oviedo, FL | 41,062 | 119 | 630 | 749 |
| Wekiwa Springs, FL | 24,008 | 122 | 637 | 759 |
| Sanford, FL | 60,337 | 621 | 2,780 | 3,401 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Novi, MI | 60,439 | 95 | 856 | 951 |
| La Mesa, CA | 60,208 | 378 | 1,660 | 2,038 |
| Wesley Chapel, FL | 60,534 | 207 | 1,080 | 1,286 |
| Lakewood, WA | 60,564 | 757 | 4,932 | 5,690 |
| Monterey Park, CA | 60,597 | 333 | 2,309 | 2,642 |
| Sanford, FL | 60,337 | 621 | 2,780 | 3,401 |
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