A recent report by the online platform WalletHub assessed safety in 182 U.S. cities, including several in Florida. One surprising finding was that Fort Lauderdale ranks as one of the least safe cities in the nation, while Hialeah emerges as one of the safest in the state.
The study evaluated various factors, including:
- Home and community safety (crimes per capita, including murders, assaults, and hate crimes)
- Traffic fatalities per capita
- Incidents of mass shootings and terrorist attacks
- Financial security
- Unemployment rate
- Percentage of population without health insurance
- Household economic stability
- Risks from hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters
Each category received a score to determine an overall safety index.
Fort Lauderdale: A Glimpse into Its Safety Concerns
Fort Lauderdale, renowned for its beaches and tourist attractions, ranks 180 out of 182 in the overall safety index, making it the most dangerous city in Florida and one of the riskiest in the United States. Contributing factors include:
- High crime rates: Elevated numbers of homicides, assaults, and thefts per capita
- Limited financial stability: A significant portion of households lack emergency savings, face high unemployment rates, and are at risk of foreclosure
- Natural disasters: High vulnerability to hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes
Fort Lauderdale also shares the highest rate of traffic fatalities per capita and has one of the lowest percentages of households with emergency savings. These alarming statistics place the city in a troubling category, alongside Memphis (Tennessee) and Detroit (Michigan), the two most unsafe cities in the country according to WalletHub.
The Positive Contrast: Hialeah Among the Safest
Despite Fort Lauderdale's poor showing, Florida is home to cities with commendable safety levels. Hialeah, known as "The City of Progress," ranks as the second safest city in Florida and holds the 53rd spot nationally. This places it just behind Port St. Lucie, which leads in Florida and ranks 32nd in the nation.
Additional insights about Hialeah reveal that although the city faces challenges in financial security, it benefits from low crime rates and reduced natural disaster risks compared to other areas in the state.
Other Florida Cities in the Rankings
The report also assessed other Florida cities, highlighting:
- Cape Coral: Third safest city in Florida, ranking 59th nationally
- Pembroke Pines: Fourth safest in the state, at 73rd in the country
- Cities with safety challenges: Orlando (168th), Jacksonville (164th), and Miami (124th) had less favorable results
Nationally, the safest cities include South Burlington (Vermont), Casper (Wyoming), Warwick (Rhode Island), and Boise (Idaho). These cities scored highly in all three main categories, featuring low crime rates and strong financial stability.
WalletHub, headquartered in the United States, is an online platform offering financial comparison services and personal advice tools. Established in 2013, it focuses on helping consumers make informed decisions on various personal finance topics. WalletHub is renowned for its detailed analyses, interactive tools, and educational content across a wide array of areas.
Florida Cities Safety Analysis FAQs
What factors contributed to Fort Lauderdale's low safety ranking?
Fort Lauderdale's low ranking is due to high crime rates, limited financial stability, and significant risks from natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.
How did Hialeah rank among other cities in Florida?
Hialeah ranks as the second safest city in Florida and the 53rd safest nationally, reflecting lower crime rates and fewer natural disaster risks.
Which are some of the safest cities in the United States?
Some of the safest cities in the U.S. include South Burlington, Vermont; Casper, Wyoming; Warwick, Rhode Island; and Boise, Idaho, known for their low crime rates and strong financial stability.