Floridawhile famous for its beautiful landscapes and bustling citiesis home to several areas facing economic challenges and high crime rates. Here's a look at ten cities and towns in Florida where living conditions may be less than ideal. 

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1. Daytona BeachFlorida

Daytona Beach is known for its iconic Daytona International Speedway and beachbut the city faces significant crime and poverty issuesmaking it one of the more dangerous places to live.  Daytona Beachwith a population of 68,711is known for its high crime rates and financial struggles. Ranking 5th in Median Income and 10th in Poverty in Floridathe city unfortunately tops the list in violent crimesassaultsand murders. The city’s poverty rate stands at a significant 20.5%which is 46.43% higher than the national average. This economic hardship is reflected in the fact that the median household income is $38,686—42.69% lower than the national average. Nearly 1 in 5 residents live below the poverty lineand more than 11% of households survive on less than $10,000 per year.

The city also struggles with high unemployment at 6.5%38.3% higher than the national rate. Crime rates in Daytona Beach are notably highwith overall crime rates 74.56% above the national average. Violent crime is 166.62% higher than averagegiving residents a 1 in 95 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime rates are similarly concerningstanding 56.31% higher than the national average.

  • Population: 68,711
  • Unemployment Rate: 6.5%
  • Poverty Rate: 20.5%
  • Median Home Value: $164,400
  • Median Household Income: $38,686
  • Overall Score: 3/10
  • Violent Crime: 725
  • Property Crime: 2,145

2. LauderhillFlorida

Lauderhilllocated near Fort Lauderdaleis a smaller city that struggles with high unemployment and violent crime ratesdespite its proximity to more affluent areas. Lauderhillwith a population of 71,827faces significant economic and crime-related challenges. The city ranks 4th in unemployment and 11th in median income in Floridawith a poverty rate of 19.1%36.43% above the national average. Households in Lauderhill typically earn $43,658 annuallywhich is 35.32% lower than the national average. The city's unemployment rate is an alarming 8.1%72.34% higher than the national rate.

The overall crime rate in Lauderhill is 49.56% higher than the national average. Residents face a 1 in 114 chance of being a victim of violent crimewith violent crime rates sitting at 124.92% higher than the national average. Property crimes are also prevalentwith a rate 34.63% above the national average.

  • Population: 71,827
  • Unemployment Rate: 8.1%
  • Poverty Rate: 19.1%
  • Median Home Value: $178,500
  • Median Household Income: $43,658
  • Overall Score: 4/10
  • Violent Crime: 632
  • Property Crime: 1,909

3. HomesteadFlorida

Homesteadsituated south of Miamiis known for its agricultural industry but suffers from high poverty and violent crimeparticularly robberies. Homesteadhome to 68,937 residentsranks 6th in poverty and 4th in violent crimes within Florida. With a poverty rate of 23%64.29% higher than the national averagefinancial hardship is a prominent issue. The median household income of $50,723 is 24.85% lower than the national average. Nearly 25% of the population lives below the poverty lineand more than 10% of households earn less than $10,000 annually.

Homestead’s unemployment rate stands at 6.3%34.04% above the national average. Additionallythe cost of living is higher than averagefurther exacerbating economic struggles. The overall crime rate is 39.83% higher than the national averagewith a violent crime rate 122.89% above the norm. Property crime is also elevatedwith a rate 23.38% higher than the national average.

  • Population: 68,937
  • Unemployment Rate: 6.3%
  • Poverty Rate: 23%
  • Median Home Value: $235,800
  • Median Household Income: $50,723
  • Overall Score: 4/10
  • Violent Crime: 610
  • Property Crime: 1,704

4. North MiamiFlorida

North Miamipart of the Miami metropolitan areais known for its cultural diversity but grapples with both crime and economic challenges. North Miamiwith a population of 62,468is another Florida city grappling with high poverty and crime rates. The city’s poverty rate is 19.2%37.14% above the national averageand the median household income is $43,562—35.46% lower than the national average. Unemployment is a significant issuewith a rate of 7.5%59.57% above the national rate.

North Miami’s overall crime rate is 68.12% higher than the national averageand the violent crime rate is 96.44% higher. Residents have a 1 in 130 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime is also a concernwith rates 62.5% above the national average.

  • Population: 62,468
  • Unemployment Rate: 7.5%
  • Poverty Rate: 19.2%
  • Median Home Value: $232,600
  • Median Household Income: $43,562
  • Overall Score: 4/10
  • Violent Crime: 481
  • Property Crime: 2,008

5. Miami GardensFlorida

Miami Gardens is a well-known suburb of Miamihome to Hard Rock Stadiumyet its residents deal with high poverty and unemployment rates. Miami Gardenswith a population of 110,767ranks 3rd in unemployment in Florida. The city’s poverty rate stands at 17.3%23.57% above the national average. The median household income of $46,760 is 30.73% lower than the national average. Unemployment is a pressing issuewith a rate of 8.7%85.11% higher than the national rate.

The overall crime rate in Miami Gardens is 37.48% higher than the national averagewith violent crime 82.76% above average. Residents have a 1 in 142 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Property crime rates are also elevatedsitting 28.51% higher than the national average.

  • Population: 110,767
  • Unemployment Rate: 8.7%
  • Poverty Rate: 17.3%
  • Median Home Value: $216,500
  • Median Household Income: $46,760
  • Overall Score: 4/10
  • Violent Crime: 782
  • Property Crime: 2,775

6. OcalaFlorida

Ocalaoften called the "Horse Capital of the World," is a charming city in central Florida that is burdened by unemployment and crime. Ocalaa city with 60,021 residentsranks high for unemployment and median income in Florida. Known for its unfortunate rise in sexual assault casesOcala has significant poverty issues and a high crime rate.

The poverty rate is 19.2%which is 37.14% higher than the national average. Ocala households typically earn $42,361 annuallywhich is 37.24% lower than the national average. Unemployment in the city is at 8.7%a figure 85.11% higher than the national rate.

Ocala’s crime statistics paint a troubling picture. The overall crime rate is 63.41% above the national average. Residents face a 1 in 145 chance of becoming victims of violent crimeand property crimes are also a major concern with a 61.36% higher-than-average ratemaking it a risky place to live.

  • Population: 60,021
  • Unemployment Rate: 8.7%
  • Poverty: 19.2%
  • Median Home Value: $149,800
  • Median Household Income: $42,361
  • Overall Score: 4/10
  • Violent Crime: 413
  • Property Crime: 1,936

7. Fort PierceFlorida

Fort Piercea coastal city known for its historic downtown and waterfronthas one of the highest poverty rates in the state. Fort Piercehome to 45,855 residentsstruggles with widespread poverty and unemployment. The poverty rate here is staggering at 28.6%more than double the national averagewith 1 in 3 residents living below the poverty line. Households earn $37,624 annually44.26% less than the national average.

The city’s unemployment rate is 7.8%about 66% higher than the national figure. When it comes to crimeFort Pierce faces a moderate but significant issuewith a crime rate 8.82% above the national average. The violent crime rate is 38.89% higherand residents have a 1 in 183 chance of being victims. Property crime is slightly above average at 2.86%but still prevalent.

  • Population: 45,855
  • Unemployment Rate: 7.8%
  • Poverty: 28.6%
  • Median Home Value: $124,700
  • Median Household Income: $37,624
  • Overall Score: 3/10
  • Violent Crime: 251
  • Property Crime: 938

8. SanfordFlorida

Sanfordlocated near Orlandois a historic city that struggles with high rates of violent crime and assaults despite its rich history. Sanfordwith a population of 60,337faces a high rate of violent crimeplacing it among the less safe cities in Florida. Poverty affects 16.6% of residentsand the average household income is $52,664which is nearly 22% lower than the national average.

The unemployment rate in Sanford is 6.1%about 30% higher than the national rate. Crime-wiseSanford’s overall crime rate exceeds the national average by 30.39%. The violent crime rate is particularly alarmingwith residents facing a 1 in 118 chance of being victimswhile property crime is 14.37% higher than the national average.

  • Population: 60,337
  • Unemployment Rate: 6.1%
  • Poverty: 16.6%
  • Median Home Value: $176,600
  • Median Household Income: $52,664
  • Overall Score: 5/10
  • Violent Crime: 511
  • Property Crime: 1,396

9. TallahasseeFlorida

TallahasseeFlorida's capital cityis a hub for politics and educationbut its poverty and crime rates are notably higher than the national average. Tallahasseethe capital of Floridahas a population of 192,885 and struggles with poverty and crime. The poverty rate here is 25.2%80% higher than the national averagewith 1 in 4 residents living below the poverty line. The average household earns $46,461 annually31.17% lower than the national average.

The unemployment rate is 7.1%significantly higher than the national rate. Crime is a major issuewith a crime rate 58.79% above the national average. The violent crime rate is 99.33% highergiving residents a 1 in 127 chance of being victimswhile property crimes occur at a rate 50.76% above the national average.

  • Population: 192,885
  • Unemployment Rate: 7.1%
  • Poverty: 25.2%
  • Median Home Value: $212,800
  • Median Household Income: $46,461
  • Overall Score: 5/10
  • Violent Crime: 1,516
  • Property Crime: 5,786

10. GainesvilleFlorida

Gainesvillehome to the University of Floridais a vibrant college townyet it faces severe financial hardship and high violent crime rates. Gainesvillehome to 133,611 residentsranks high in poverty and unemployment. The poverty rate is 29.7%more than double the national averagewith 1 in 3 residents living below the poverty line. Gainesville households earn $38,028 annually43.66% less than the national average.

The unemployment rate is 5.1%8.51% higher than the national rate. Crime in Gainesville is a serious problemwith a crime rate 68.48% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 98.81% higherwith residents facing a 1 in 128 chance of being victims. Property crime is also a major concernat 62.47% above the national average.

  • Population: 133,611
  • Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
  • Poverty: 29.7%
  • Median Home Value: $179,500
  • Median Household Income: $38,028
  • Overall Score: 5/10
  • Violent Crime: 1,042
  • Property Crime: 4,297