Jacksonville, FL, combines a large metropolitan footprint with Atlantic Coast beaches, major highways, a busy port, and a growing population of more than one million residents. For families and individuals planning a move to the area, choosing the right neighborhood can make a major difference, particularly when it comes to safety. While Jacksonville’s overall crime index sits slightly above the national average, crime rates vary significantly from one part of the city to another, with neighborhoods such as San Marco, Ortega, and Mandarin reporting considerably lower violent crime rates. Recent citywide trends have also been encouraging, including a decline in homicides since 2024. Whether you are relocating across town or moving to Jacksonville for the first time, Premier Movers can help make the transition to your new neighborhood easier and more organized.
| Neighborhood | Safety Level (2026) | Notable Stat |
|---|---|---|
| San Marco | Safest | Violent crime rate 1.2/1,000 residents (national avg. 3.6) |
| Ortega | Safest | Lowest property crime rate in Jacksonville |
| Mandarin | Safest | 94% safer than the average U.S. city for homicide risk |
| Downtown Jacksonville | Safe (Grade B+) | Crime index 19% below the Jacksonville average |
| Avondale | Safe | Popular with families; low reported incident rate |
| New Town | Highest Risk (Grade F+) | Lowest citywide safety grade, 2026 rankings |
| Moncrief Park | Highest Risk (Grade F+) | Lowest citywide safety grade, 2026 rankings |
| Hogan’s Creek | Highest Risk (Grade F+) | Lowest citywide safety grade, 2026 rankings |
Jacksonville, Florida Crime Rates
Jacksonville Metropolitan Area, which has about 1.6 million inhabitants, has an assessment that the crime rate is higher than the national rate. The crime rate is the number of criminal acts committed per 100,000 inhabitants.
It would be unrealistic to expect a low crime rate with such a large population and a huge flow of people from all over the world and the USA itself. But don’t jump to conclusions. Let’s get to the bottom of safety in Jax.
Jacksonville’s overall crime index is about 5% above the national average and the city carries a citywide safety grade of C, according to 2026 crime-data analysis — but Jacksonville also ranks safer than roughly 81% of U.S. cities when compared nationwide.
Jacksonville’s violent crime rate works out to roughly 6 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, which includes assault, robbery, and murder — in line with many similarly sized U.S. metro areas.
Property crime remains the more common issue: residents face roughly a 1-in-41 chance of experiencing a property crime in a given year, compared to a 1-in-252 chance of experiencing a violent crime, according to 2026 crime-data analysis based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program figures.
Crime Statistics
Based on the analysis of the crime statistics in Jax that our Jacksonville moving company did, we can notice that the most significant number of offenses is based on property crime.
- Theft remains the most common offense in Jacksonville, consistent with national crime patterns in mid-sized U.S. cities.
- Burglary rates in Jacksonville run below the national average, based on the latest FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program data.
- Motor vehicle theft in Jacksonville is slightly above the national average, a trend mirrored in most large Sun Belt metro areas with heavy through-traffic and port activity.
So, we can conclude that property in Jacksonville is no more endangered than in other cities of similar size in the USA.
What scares and disturbs people the most is the potential possibility that someone will commit some kind of violent crime against you or your family. Of course, such fears are justified because there are no guarantees anywhere in the world. Nevertheless, statistical analyses can indicate the safety situation prevailing in a particular city. When it comes to violent crimes, Jacksonville does not have the status of a city where you are extremely exposed to the risk of being attacked. Violent crimes in Jax are isolated to certain areas.
Assault is the most common violent offense in Jacksonville, while murder, rape, and robbery each occur at rates only modestly above the national average — and Jacksonville’s murder count specifically has been falling for two straight years.
Why Does Jacksonville Get Called Florida’s “Murder Capital”?
Jacksonville has carried the “murder capital of Florida” label in national headlines for years, and the label is based on real numbers — but it leaves out important context. The city and Duval County consolidated their governments in 1968, so Jacksonville’s city limits cover nearly 840 square miles, one of the largest footprints of any U.S. city. That means Jacksonville’s crime totals include suburban and even rural areas that a city like Miami or Tampa would never count as “city” crime, since those areas sit outside their much smaller city limits. Comparing Jacksonville’s raw numbers to a city with a 50-square-mile footprint isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison.
The trend itself is also moving in the right direction. According to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office data, 2024 was the first year since 2011 that the city’s murder count fell below 100, and Sheriff T.K. Waters has credited targeted policing strategies and community partnerships for the decline. All of the neighborhood and citywide figures on this page are cross-checked against the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the federal government’s official source for city and county-level crime statistics.
Is Jacksonville, FL, safe for living
This fantastic city charms and attracts many tourists, and residents have many praises and few complaints about Jax. They love their city and consider themselves lucky to live in it.
Compared to other large Florida cities, Jacksonville holds up well: independent crime-data analysis ranks it safer than most similarly sized metro areas in the state.
Many parts of the city are peaceful and safe for living and tourist tours. We will not idealize the situation and will present the realistic fact that Jax has good and bad areas, which is the reality of the modern world.
- New Town, Hogan’s Creek, Moncrief Park, and Longbranch are potentially risky areas with more incidents. These places should be avoided, especially after dark.
- The safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, FL, are San Marco, Ortega, and Mandarin. Low crime, safety, and affordability are middle names for these neighborhoods.
- Downtown is safe for residents and visitors. There are plenty of police officers, security cameras, and street lighting. The University of Jacksonville has its own Jacksonville University Police, who are available 24/7.
- The Police Department of Jacksonville, FL, is trying to increase its presence in all parts of the city, especially those marked as risky. The largest number of citizens declare that they are satisfied with the police’s presence and efficiency.
Community policing initiatives, including neighborhood resource officers and expanded patrol coverage in historically higher-crime ZIP codes, are part of JSO’s current public safety strategy.
How to Check Crime Data for Your Specific Jacksonville Neighborhood
Citywide averages only tell part of the story, since safety in Jacksonville varies block by block. Before choosing a neighborhood, cross-check it directly: the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office maintains a public crime-mapping tool, and independent sites like CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout break down crime data to the ZIP-code level. If you’re deciding between a few Jacksonville neighborhoods, run each one through at least one of these tools before signing a lease or making an offer.
Is Jacksonville the Right Place for Your Next Move?
If Jacksonville’s safety profile fits what you’re looking for, the next questions are usually about budget and lifestyle. Take a look at our cost of living in Jacksonville, Florida guide to see current housing, tax, and utility numbers, and browse our top things to do in Jacksonville guide to get a feel for the neighborhoods and attractions that make the city worth the move. When you’re ready, Premier Movers can build you a free, no-obligation quote for your move to Jacksonville — just fill out our short form or call 904-666-0423 and we’ll take it from there.
