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D-

Is Clearwater, Florida Safe?

Population 114,364 · Safer than 14% of US cities

Declining· 2023 FBI UCR data

With a violent crime rate above the national average, Clearwater faces real safety challenges. It earns a D- grade and ranks below 86% of US cities. Property crime makes up the majority of offenses, with theft at 1,878 per 100K.

Clearwater Crime Rates vs State and National Averages

MetricClearwaterFlorida AvgNational Avg
Violent Crime Rate437.8326.8363.8
Property Crime Rate2350.92070.61,832.3
Murder Rate6.0--5.7
Assault Rate247.0--268.2
Theft Rate1878.0--1,401.5
Vehicle Theft Rate398.0--318.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report + Census Bureau population estimates.

Overall SafetyD-

278.9 crimes per 1,000 residents

Violent CrimeD

438/100K (national avg: 364)

Property CrimeD-

2351/100K (national avg: 1,832)

Key Crime Statistics for Clearwater

Violent crime in Clearwater is above the national average. The rate of 437.8 per 100K exceeds the national 363.8.

Property crime is above the national average at 2350.9 per 100K vs. the national 1,832.3.

Theft is the most reported crime at 1,878 per 100K. The national average is 1,401.5.

Clearwater Crime Breakdown by Category

Murder6
01.1x national avgAvg: 5.7
Assault247
092% of avgAvg: 268.2
Robbery57
090% of avgAvg: 63.3
Burglary420
01.6x national avgAvg: 269.8
Theft1,878
01.3x national avgAvg: 1,401.5
Vehicle Theft398
01.3x national avgAvg: 318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. Vertical marker = national average.

How Clearwater Compares

Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)

Clearwater
437.8
State
326.8
National
363.8

Property Crime Rate (per 100K)

Clearwater
2350.9
State
2070.6
National
1832.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. National averages from 2023 FBI UCR data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clearwater Safety

Is Clearwater safe?
Not especially. Clearwater earns a D- with a crime rate of 278.9 per 1,000 residents, and violent crime runs above the national average. Standard precautions apply, especially at night.
What is the crime rate in Clearwater?
278.9 per 1,000 residents. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 437.8 per 100,000 (the national average is 363.8) and property crime at 2350.9 per 100,000 (national average: 1832.3).
Is Clearwater safe for tourists?
Exercise extra caution. Clearwater's D- grade reflects real risk, particularly for property crime. Theft (1,878 per 100K) is the biggest concern for visitors. Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Clearwater?
Neighborhood-level data varies, but suburban residential areas in Clearwater generally report lower crime than downtown or commercial districts. For block-level detail, check the Clearwater police department's crime map.
Is crime increasing in Clearwater?
Yes, there's been an uptick. Clearwater's crime rates have moved in the wrong direction recently, though the city still holds a D- grade overall.
How does Clearwater compare to other cities in Florida?
Below average for the state. Clearwater ranks behind about 78% of Florida cities on safety, with property crime being the bigger issue at 1.3x the national rate.
How safe is Clearwater to live in?
Worth factoring into your decision. Violent crime is above the national average. The upward trend in crime is concerning.
How bad is crime in Clearwater?
Bad. A D- grade and 278.9 per-thousand rate put Clearwater below 86% of US cities. Violent crime at 438 per 100K is the core problem.
What is the violent crime rate in Clearwater?
437.8 per 100,000, which is 20% above the national average of 363.8. That includes assault (247), robbery (57), and murder (6.0) per 100,000.

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View all Florida city safety grades

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2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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