Broward County, Florida, is in the Southeastern corner of the Sunshine State.
This area of southern Florida is filled with a mix of stunning beaches, bustling cities, and a thriving tourism industry.
However, beyond its outer layer of serenity and sunshine lies a dark underbelly filled with crime.
This guide to the most dangerous cities in Broward County delves into the shadows to expose large numbers of violent and property crimes that keep some residents trembling.
Contents
- Most Dangerous Cities in Broward County
- Fort Lauderdale Safety Overview
- Pembroke Pines Safety Overview
- Miramar Safety Overview
- Coral Springs Safety Overview
- Lauderhill Safety Overview
- Pompano Beach Safety Overview
- Five Safety Tips for Traveling in Broward County, Florida
- Miami Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
Most Dangerous Cities in Broward County
This list of the most dangerous cities in Broward County, FL, is based on the latest crime research and reports.
Factors that make a town dangerous include extreme poverty, high rates of drug abuse, increased incidences of violent crime against people, and property crimes like theft, robbery, and burglary.
National Averages for Violent Crimes and Property Crimes per 100,000 Residents
- Murder – 6.1
- Rape – 40.7
- Robbery – 135.5
- Assault – 282.7
- Burglary – 500.1
- Theft – 2,042.8
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 284
*National average crime data reported per 100,000 residents.
1. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
About the City
Online research and reports show that the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has a crime rate higher than most other cities in the United States.
Incidents of violent crime and property crime are substantially higher in Fort Lauderdale than in most similar-sized cities in the state.
Increased instances of violent crime and property crimes mean that the likelihood of becoming a victim is much higher in Fort Lauderdale.
Property crimes in this area are extremely high, with the chances of becoming a victim of one crime for every 25 people.
FBI data shows that motor vehicle theft in this area is higher than in most other places.
Top Five Crimes in Fort Lauderdale
- Murder – 20.1 murders per 100,000 residents.
- Rape – 49.4 per 100,000 residents.
- Robbery – 174.1 per 100,000 residents.
- Assault – 384.6 per 100,000 residents
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 492 per 100,000 residents.
Fort Lauderdale Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Fort Lauderdale Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | LOW |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | LOW |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| MUGGING RISK | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| SCAMS RISK | LOW |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
2. Hollywood, Florida
About the City
While Hollywood, Florida, is a haven for many people seeking to escape the harsh temperatures in some northern states, the crime rates in this area are very high when compared to other Florida cities of a similar size and the national average.
Neighborhood Scout assigns the town a total crime index score of 16 out of a possible 100, where 100 is the safest score.
Hollywood has high violent crime rates and property crime rates well above the average
Top Five Crimes in Hollywood, Florida
- Theft – 1,557.8 per 100,000 residents.
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 293.4 per 100,000 residents.
- Murder – 10.2 per 100,000 residents.
- Robbery – 111.2 per 100,000 residents.
- Rape – 34.5 per 100,000 residents.
3. Pembroke Pines, Florida
About the City
The city of Pembroke Pines ranks among the most dangerous cities in Broward County due to the recent spike in crimes.
While Pembroke Pines has some neighborhoods that are considered relatively safe, other areas have noticeably higher incidences of crimes against people and property.
Pembroke Pines is currently ranked as being more dangerous than 68% of all other US cities.
Top Five Crimes in Pembroke Pines, Florida
- Theft – 1,180 per 100,000 residents.
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 134.8 per 100,000 residents.
- Burglary – 104.7 per 100,000 residents.
- Assault – 79.1 per 100,000 residents.
- Robbery – 32.4 per 100,000 residents.
Pembroke Pines Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Pembroke Pines Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | LOW |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | HIGH |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| MUGGING RISK | MEDIUM |
| TERRORISM RISK | LOW |
| SCAMS RISK | MEDIUM |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
4. Miramar, Florida
Compiled crime data for Miramar, Florida, shows that this town is more dangerous than almost 60% of all US neighborhoods.
Miramar has a number of violent crimes and property crimes that leave some residents fearing for their safety.
Top Five Crimes in Miramar, Florida
- Theft – 771.6 per 100,000 residents.
- Assault – 168.7 per 100,000 residents.
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 168.7 per 100,000 residents.
- Burglary – 105.2 per 100,000 residents.
- Robbery – 41.1 per 100,000 residents.
Miramar Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Miramar Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | MEDIUM |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | LOW |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| MUGGING RISK | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| SCAMS RISK | LOW |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
5. Coral Springs, Florida
About the City
Newcomers to Coral Springs, Florida, are often surprised to learn that the city has one of the highest crime rates in the state of Florida and the US.
Reports show Coral Springs stands out as one of the most dangerous cities in Broward, with a crime rate higher than almost half of Florida’s other cities.
Top Five Crimes in Coral Springs, Florida
- Theft – 1,040.5 per 100,000 residents.
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 1.040.5 per 100,000 residents.
- Burglary – 73.3 per 100,000 residents.
- Assault – 65.9 per 100,000 residents.
- Robbery – 31.1 per 100,000 residents.
Coral Springs Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Coral Springs Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | LOW |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | LOW |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| MUGGING RISK | MEDIUM |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| SCAMS RISK | LOW |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
6. Lauderhill, Florida
About the City
Lauderhill, Florida, ranks 8 out of 100 on the Neighborhood Scout Crime Index Scale.
Their ranking suggests that Lauderhill is more dangerous than almost 92% of other US cities.
While not all neighborhoods within the city limits of Lauderhill have high rates of crime, research shows exceptionally high rates of theft, assaults, and burglary.
Top Five Crimes in Lauderhill, Florida
- Theft – 1,949.7 per 100,000 residents.
- Assault – 693.2 per 100,000 residents.
- Burglary – 381.1 per 100,000 residents.
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 305.2 per 100,000 residents.
- Robbery – 129.8 per 100,000 residents.
Lauderhill Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Lauderhill Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | MEDIUM |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | MEDIUM |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| MUGGING RISK | MEDIUM |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| SCAMS RISK | MEDIUM |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
7. Pompano Beach, Florida
About the City
Like many of the most dangerous cities in Florida, Pompano Beach has an extremely high crime index that has some residents considering relocating to safer neighborhoods.
Pompano Beach police reports show residents are more likely to be subjected to personal and property crimes in this city than almost every other city in the US, regardless of size.
Top Five Crimes in Pompano Beach, Florida
- Theft – 1,970 per 100,000 residents.
- Assault – 450.9 per 100,000 residents.
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 414.8 per 100,000 residents.
- Burglary – 382.2 per 100,000 residents.
- Robbery – 214.9 per 100,000 residents.
Pompano Beach Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Pompano Beach Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | MEDIUM |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | MEDIUM |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| MUGGING RISK | MEDIUM |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| SCAMS RISK | MEDIUM |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
8. North Miami Beach
About the City
North Miami Beach follows along with the trend of the most dangerous cities in Broward, showing a high crime index.
High levels of thefts, break-ins, and assaults in the area mean the likelihood of becoming a victim of a violent crime is around 1 in every 137 people.
In contrast, the violent crime rates for the entire state of Florida are about 1 in every 255 persons.
Top Five Crimes in North Miami Beach, Florida
- Theft – 2,008.2 per 100,000 residents.
- Assault – 510.7 per 100,000 residents.
- Burglary – 376.7 per 100,000 residents.
- Motor Vehicle Theft – 323.5 per 100,000 residents.
- Robbery – 150.2 per 100,000 residents.
Five Safety Tips for Traveling in Broward County, Florida
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe when traveling through Broward County’s most dangerous cities is always to be aware of your surroundings.
Pay close attention to the people and places around you, and be wary of people who try to approach without your permission or agreement.
2. Don’t Walk Alone at Night!
Many of Broward County’s most heinous crimes happen under the cover of night.
As such, tourists, visitors, and even residents must avoid walking alone at night.
Be sure to stay in well-lit areas and avoid suspicious-looking people and places if walking alone at night is entirely unavoidable.
3. Don’t Flaunt Valuables or Wealth
Crime reports show that thefts and burglaries are among Broward County’s most common crimes.
Avoid becoming a victim of robbery or theft by securing your valuables in a hotel room or other secure location.
Keep small valuables like phones, watches, cameras, and cash completely out of sight.
4. Trust Your Intuition
There is no glory in becoming a victim of a violent crime or property crime because you’re trying to be overly “polite.”
Trust your instincts and take action to immediately remove yourself from situations, locations, and people that give off bad vibes.
5. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
Tourists and newcomers to Broward can easily find themselves in hot water by being in the wrong neighborhood at the wrong time.
Avoid traveling through high-crime areas by doing research and planning your travel route in advance.
Miami Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Miami Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | MEDIUM |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | MEDIUM |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | MEDIUM |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| MUGGING RISK | MEDIUM |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| SCAMS RISK | MEDIUM |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the crime rates so high in Broward County, Florida?
Broward County has an extremely high poverty rate, which is one of the factors contributing to high violent crimes and personal property crimes.
High unemployment and low levels of education make it difficult for some residents to meet their basic needs, and many resort to crime as a result.
How can I avoid becoming a victim of a crime in Broward County?
Aside from planning your vacations and traveling to a safer location, the best way to avoid becoming a victim of violent crimes and property crimes in Broward is to remain vigilant about your safety and follow the five safety tips above.
What are the most common crimes in Broward County, Florida?
Crime data and research shows that theft is at the top of the list for this Florida city.
Other common crimes that happen regularly in Broward include assaults, burglaries, robberies, and extreme numbers of motor vehicle thefts, which are well above the national average.
Broward County, Florida has some dangerous cities with high rates of violent and property crimes.
Broward County, Florida may have stunning beaches and a thriving tourism industry, but it also has a dark underbelly of crime that keeps residents on edge.
Last summer, I took a walk along the beach in Fort Lauderdale, and it was hard to shake the feeling that something was off when I noticed a group loitering a few blocks away.
I was surprised at how many parts of Fort Lauderdale felt a bit sketchy, especially after hearing about those high car theft numbers.
After spending some time in Fort Lauderdale, I can see why people are on edge given the crazy number of car thefts happening around here.
I was surprised at how many car thefts are reported in Fort Lauderdale; it really makes you think twice about where you park.
It’s surprising how a sunny place like Fort Lauderdale can have such a high number of car thefts, almost 500 for every 100,000 residents.
Did you really have to go and ruin everyone’s beach vibes with this little gem? I mean, who wouldn’t want to know that the chances of being a crime statistic are higher than their odds of catching a perfect sunset? Sounds like a great place for a family vacation, doesn’t it?
So, does anyone actually consider moving to these “most dangerous cities” in Broward County or is it more of a dare at this point? Sounds like a real party if your idea of fun includes dodging muggers and debating whether to lock your car for the third time in an hour.
Reading this while thinking about how many times I’ve parked in Fort Lauderdale with my doors unlocked is making my stomach do a little flip. Those motor vehicle theft numbers especially are not exactly “leave your beach bag on the seat” friendly. Guess it’s time to stop rolling my eyes at my friend who double checks the locks three times.