DeSoto County Crime & Safety

DeSoto County, Florida

Safety Score

14/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2440.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

394.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2046.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

14/100

Higher = safer

State avg 57/100

State Safety Rank

#63

of 67 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in DeSoto County, Florida

DeSoto County Crime Exceeds National Average

DeSoto County faces challenges with a safety score of 96.1, which is lower than many peers. Its total crime rate of 2,440.3 slightly exceeds the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing DeSoto to the Florida Average

With a safety score of 96.1, DeSoto falls below the Florida state average of 98.4. The total crime rate here is more than double the state average of 1,027.9 per 100,000 residents.

Regional Comparisons for DeSoto County

DeSoto County is significantly less safe than nearby Collier County, which reports a crime rate of only 1,026.8. However, it still maintains lower overall crime than Duval County.

Breaking Down the Local Offenses

The property crime rate is notably high at 2,046.2 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime also sits at 394.1, which is significantly higher than the Florida state average of 206.5.

Increased Vigilance for DeSoto Homeowners

High property crime rates mean homeowners should be extra vigilant with security. Installing robust locking mechanisms and smart cameras can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in DeSoto County, FL?

DeSoto County has a total crime rate of 2440.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (394.1 per 100K) and property crimes (2046.2 per 100K).

Is DeSoto County, FL safe?

DeSoto County has a safety score of 14/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #63 out of 67 counties in Florida for safety (1 = safest).

How does DeSoto County crime compare to the Florida average?

With a safety score of 96.1, DeSoto falls below the Florida state average of 98.4. The total crime rate here is more than double the state average of 1,027.9 per 100,000 residents.

What types of crime are most common in DeSoto County?

The property crime rate is notably high at 2,046.2 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime also sits at 394.1, which is significantly higher than the Florida state average of 206.5.

How is crime data measured and reported for DeSoto County?

Crime data for DeSoto County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in DeSoto County?

DeSoto County has a safety score of 14/100, which is below the Florida average of 57/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.