How did we choose which cities made the list? We used the latest FBI crime data for every city in Florida with more than 10,000 residents. We also checked the number of full-time law enforcement officers in each city.
The cities on our list have the lowest crime rates per 1,000 residents and the fewest law enforcement officers per 1,000 residents (having fewer officers is a good thing because it means the city doesn’t need as many). For more details on our process, see the Methodology section at the bottom.
Now, here are the 3 safest cities to live in Florida and what they offer to their residents.
1. Marco Island
Marco Island is located on the western coast of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. It is the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands and is considered the safest area in Florida, according to FBI data. Although the cost of living is high, with a median home price of $1.3 million, the white sandy beaches make it a desirable location.
Here’s a snapshot of the crime rate and law enforcement data for Marco Island. The numbers reflect the annual crime incidents or law enforcement employees per 1,000 residents.
| Marco Island | Florida | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,124 | 20.79 million | 328 million |
| Violent Crimes | 0.39 | 3.78 | 3.67 |
| Property Crimes | 4.58 | 21.6 | 21.1 |
| Total Crimes | 4.97 | 25.38 | 24.77 |
| Law Enforcement | 1.88 | 3.88 | 2.89 |
Parkland
Parkland is, as the name suggests, filled with parks. You can easily find places to play baseball, basketball, soccer, football, and tennis. There are also playgrounds for kids and parks for dogs. For those who enjoy horseback riding, there’s an equestrian center. This affluent area has a suburban feel, away from big shopping centers and downtown traffic, making it a quiet and peaceful place to live.
| Parkland | Florida | U.S. | |
| Population | 35,244 | 20.79 million | 328 million |
| Violent Crimes | 0.26 | 3.78 | 3.67 |
| Property Crimes | 5.36 | 21.6 | 21.1 |
| Total Crimes | 5.62 | 25.38 | 24.77 |
| Law Enforcement | 1.31 | 3.88 | 2.82 |
Weston
Weston, a suburban city in South Florida about 40 miles from Miami, ranks number three. It’s an affluent area with big houses, nice neighborhoods, and excellent schools. It’s also close to several beaches. While the cost of living is high, Weston is a lovely and safe place for those who can afford it.
| Weston | Florida | U.S. | |
| Population | 71,946 | 20.79 million | 328 million |
| Violent Crimes | 0.46 | 3.78 | 3.67 |
| Property Crimes | 5.03 | 21.6 | 21.1 |
| Total Crimes | 5.49 | 25.38 | 24.77 |
| Law Enforcement | 1.46 | 3.88 | 2.82 |
Conclusion
The National Council for Home Safety and Security’s report highlights the importance of safety and security when choosing a place to call home. Marco Island, Parkland, and Weston have all demonstrated a strong focus on law enforcement, community engagement, and crime prevention, making them standout choices for those seeking a safe and peaceful lifestyle in the Sunshine State.
As Florida continues to attract new residents, these three cities serve as shining examples of the high quality of life that can be found in the state’s safest communities.