Florida, while famous for its beautiful landscapes and bustling cities, is 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. 

Top 10 Worst Places to Live In Florida . Top 10 Worst Cities In Florida to Live, Raise a Family, Job or Retire. Top 10 Worst Towns in Florida. Top 10 Worst Villages in Florida. If you’re thinking about a move to Florida, here are the places you should avoid to live, retire or raise a family. 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Florida You Should Never Move To. Top 10 Worst Cities To Live In Florida. 10 Places in Florida You Should NEVER Move To.

 

1. Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach is known for its iconic Daytona International Speedway and beach, but the city faces significant crime and poverty issues, making it one of the more dangerous places to live.  Daytona Beach, with a population of 68,711, is known for its high crime rates and financial struggles. Ranking 5th in Median Income and 10th in Poverty in Florida, the city unfortunately tops the list in violent crimes, assaults, and 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 line, and 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 high, with overall crime rates 74.56% above the national average. Violent crime is 166.62% higher than average, giving residents a 1 in 95 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime rates are similarly concerning, standing 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. Lauderhill, Florida

Lauderhill, located near Fort Lauderdale, is a smaller city that struggles with high unemployment and violent crime rates, despite its proximity to more affluent areas. Lauderhill, with a population of 71,827, faces significant economic and crime-related challenges. The city ranks 4th in unemployment and 11th in median income in Florida, with a poverty rate of 19.1%, 36.43% above the national average. Households in Lauderhill typically earn $43,658 annually, which 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 crime, with violent crime rates sitting at 124.92% higher than the national average. Property crimes are also prevalent, with 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. Homestead, Florida

Homestead, situated south of Miami, is known for its agricultural industry but suffers from high poverty and violent crime, particularly robberies. Homestead, home to 68,937 residents, ranks 6th in poverty and 4th in violent crimes within Florida. With a poverty rate of 23%, 64.29% higher than the national average, financial 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 line, and 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. Additionally, the cost of living is higher than average, further exacerbating economic struggles. The overall crime rate is 39.83% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate 122.89% above the norm. Property crime is also elevated, with 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 Miami, Florida

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

North Miami’s overall crime rate is 68.12% higher than the national average, and 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 concern, with 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 Gardens, Florida

Miami Gardens is a well-known suburb of Miami, home to Hard Rock Stadium, yet its residents deal with high poverty and unemployment rates. Miami Gardens, with a population of 110,767, ranks 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 issue, with 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 average, with 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 elevated, sitting 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. Ocala, Florida

Ocala, often called the "Horse Capital of the World," is a charming city in central Florida that is burdened by unemployment and crime. Ocala, a city with 60,021 residents, ranks high for unemployment and median income in Florida. Known for its unfortunate rise in sexual assault cases, Ocala 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 annually, which 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 crime, and property crimes are also a major concern with a 61.36% higher-than-average rate, making 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 Pierce, Florida

Fort Pierce, a coastal city known for its historic downtown and waterfront, has one of the highest poverty rates in the state. Fort Pierce, home to 45,855 residents, struggles with widespread poverty and unemployment. The poverty rate here is staggering at 28.6%, more than double the national average, with 1 in 3 residents living below the poverty line. Households earn $37,624 annually, 44.26% less than the national average.

The city’s unemployment rate is 7.8%, about 66% higher than the national figure. When it comes to crime, Fort Pierce faces a moderate but significant issue, with a crime rate 8.82% above the national average. The violent crime rate is 38.89% higher, and 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. Sanford, Florida

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

The unemployment rate in Sanford is 6.1%, about 30% higher than the national rate. Crime-wise, Sanford’s overall crime rate exceeds the national average by 30.39%. The violent crime rate is particularly alarming, with residents facing a 1 in 118 chance of being victims, while 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. Tallahassee, Florida

Tallahassee, Florida's capital city, is a hub for politics and education, but its poverty and crime rates are notably higher than the national average. Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, has a population of 192,885 and struggles with poverty and crime. The poverty rate here is 25.2%, 80% higher than the national average, with 1 in 4 residents living below the poverty line. The average household earns $46,461 annually, 31.17% lower than the national average.

The unemployment rate is 7.1%, significantly higher than the national rate. Crime is a major issue, with a crime rate 58.79% above the national average. The violent crime rate is 99.33% higher, giving residents a 1 in 127 chance of being victims, while 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. Gainesville, Florida

Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, is a vibrant college town, yet it faces severe financial hardship and high violent crime rates. Gainesville, home to 133,611 residents, ranks high in poverty and unemployment. The poverty rate is 29.7%, more than double the national average, with 1 in 3 residents living below the poverty line. Gainesville households earn $38,028 annually, 43.66% less than the national average.

The unemployment rate is 5.1%, 8.51% higher than the national rate. Crime in Gainesville is a serious problem, with a crime rate 68.48% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 98.81% higher, with residents facing a 1 in 128 chance of being victims. Property crime is also a major concern, at 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