Hillsborough County Crime & Safety

Hillsborough County, Florida

Safety Score

36/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1480.9

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

293.3

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1187.6

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

36/100

Higher = safer

State avg 57/100

State Safety Rank

#51

of 67 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Hillsborough County, Florida

Hillsborough County Safety Rankings

Hillsborough County reports a total crime rate of 1480.9 per 100K, remaining significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 97.7. Despite being a major metropolitan hub, it maintains a strong safety profile compared to large counties nationwide.

State Comparison for Hillsborough

The county's crime rate of 1480.9 is higher than the Florida state average of 1027.9 per 100K. Its safety score of 97.7 is just below the state average of 98.4, which is expected for a high-population area. Fourteen different reporting agencies contribute to this data, providing a comprehensive view of local safety.

Comparing Tampa Bay Neighbors

Hillsborough has a higher crime rate than Hernando County's 1421.5, reflecting its denser urban population. However, its violent crime rate of 293.3 is still lower than the national average of 369.8. It remains one of the more active but monitored regions in the state.

Metropolitan Crime Breakdown

Property crime drives the local statistics with a rate of 1187.6 per 100K residents. Violent crime is lower at 293.3 per 100K, meaning physical safety is relatively high for a county of this size. These figures suggest that theft is a more common concern than personal confrontation.

Protecting Urban Properties

In a busy county like Hillsborough, visible security measures like doorbell cameras are highly effective. Always lock vehicles and remove valuables to prevent property crime. Staying alert in urban environments is the best way to maintain personal and home safety.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Hillsborough County. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Hillsborough County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Hillsborough County, FL?

Hillsborough County has a total crime rate of 1480.9 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (293.3 per 100K) and property crimes (1187.6 per 100K).

Is Hillsborough County, FL safe?

Hillsborough County has a safety score of 36/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #51 out of 67 counties in Florida for safety (1 = safest).

How does Hillsborough County crime compare to the Florida average?

What types of crime are most common in Hillsborough County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Hillsborough County?

Crime data for Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough County?

Hillsborough County has a safety score of 36/100, 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.