Miami is a popular and much-loved tourist attraction. With tall skyscrapers and beautiful beaches, it’s a great place to go. But, behind the party scene and beach vibes is a major city known for violent crimes.
Before you plan a trip to this part of South Florida, it helps to know what to expect. To help you make an informed decision, I’m sharing my advice as a South Florida local who spent many years living in Miami before moving to the more safe city of Fort Lauderdale. You can read why Fort Lauderdale is safer here.
In this article, we’ll provide more insight into crime statistics and offer insider tips on how to stay safe when visiting this city.
Is Miami Safe for Tourists?
It’s important to remember that there is no such thing as a perfect city. Every city has crime! What’s more, crime statistics are constantly changing, and the chances are that you’ll get a different perspective depending on who you ask.
As this website is designed to offer information to help you plan your next trip, we promise to be as honest as possible and provide you with the data we have available currently. Keep in mind that statistics may change, but the information contained here is based on data available at present.
Is Miami Beach Safe?
Just as you would in any other city, you will find crime in Miami. However, it is still a safe city to visit.
According to statistics from PODS, there is a 1 in 34 chance of falling victim to a crime in Miami. But, it’s important to remember that Miami only has a population of 450,000 people. Moreover, the crime rate is just above the state average and falls below the national average.
It currently has a crime index of 11 (100 being the highest), which may seem incredibly low. But, other US cities, such as Orlando (with a crime index of 3), experience more crime. This means that although it is not the best in terms of safety, Miami is certainly not the most dangerous city in Florida.
Nevertheless, it still has crime. Issues that plague Miami include gang violence, theft, assault, drug abuse, and more.
Keep in mind that areas such as Overtown and Liberty City have the highest crime rates. You should also avoid the Red Light districts of Miami or when visiting these places, be sure to exercise caution and take the appropriate safety measures.
Exploring the Safest Neighborhoods in Miami
The following neighborhoods are known for being safe places to live or visit in Miami:
Coral Gables
There’s no doubt that Coral Gables is a reliable choice if you’re looking for a place to stay. It is considered one of the most affluent and safest neighborhoods in the city. You can expect to find picturesque homes, tree-lined streets, and a strong police presence here.
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is another good option to consider. It offers a wide range of amenities and is known for its safety. However, keep in mind that it is not completely free from crime, as there are occasional incidents in busier nightlife spots.
Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is a safe and family-friendly island community that boasts a low crime rate. Its isolated location and gated communities are a definite plus, and the abundance of palm trees and upscale amenities make it a sound choice.
Areas to Avoid in Miami
Now that you know which areas are known for being safe, let’s get into the most dangerous neighborhoods in Miami. Here are a few places to avoid:
- Liberty City (Model City). This Miami neighborhood is notorious for its high crime rates. Sadly, it struggles with issues such as poverty, gun violence, assault, and drug abuse, which has resulted in it being labeled as one of the most dangerous places in Miami.
- Overtown. Located near the popular Wynwood district, this area is known for its crime rates. If you decide to visit Overtown, be sure to exercise caution, especially at night.
- Allapattah. Gun violence and other such crimes are rife in this part of Miami. What’s more, Allapattah is run down, giving tourists few reasons to visit.
- South Coconut Grove. Although some parts of Coconut Grove are lively and trendy, most of the area is not as safe. Keep in mind that taking public transport in this part of Miami can be particularly risky.
Safety Tips to Help You Avoid Being the Victim of a Crime in Miami
Whether you are traveling to Downtown Miami or Miami-Dade County in South Miami, it’s important to take certain precautions to avoid being the victim of a crime. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid walking around at night. If you find yourself traveling at night, rather call a taxi to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely. This is a particularly important point for solo female travelers to take note of.
- Be mindful of your belongings while on the beach. Never leave your things unattended on the beach, as they could be gone when you get back.
- Plan well. Before you visit Miami, we advise planning your trip carefully. Make sure that you are sticking to safe areas and making arrangements for transport to avoid having to walk in dangerous parts of the city.
- Be careful in a crowd. Crowds are hotspots for theft, so make sure that you are holding your personal belongings close to you when traveling in crowded areas.
- Have emergency cash. We recommend avoiding keeping all your assets in one place. If you are mugged, you could risk losing everything. Always have a secret stash of cash hidden away that you can use in the event of an emergency.
- Blend in. Although this might not be easy, try not to look like a vulnerable tourist. Do your research beforehand and make sure that you are dressing to blend in rather than stick out. This can reduce your chances of falling prey to violent or property crimes.
- Watch your belongings at Miami Airport. Believe it or not, the airport is another hotspot for crime, so make sure that you are mindful of where your belongings are at all times.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are hoping to visit South Beach or indulge in one of the famous beach parties in The Magic City, it’s important to remember that crime is still an issue in Miami. We advise following the safety tips we have mentioned above when traveling to this part of Florida.
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About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
