What is the crime rate in ocala Florida?

What is the Crime Rate in Ocala, Florida?

Ocala, Florida, a city with a rich history and natural beauty, is also known for its crime rate. As with any city, crime is a concern, and it’s essential to understand the crime rate in Ocala to make informed decisions about living, visiting, or investing in the area. In this article, we’ll delve into the crime rate in Ocala, Florida, providing you with the facts and figures you need to stay safe and informed.

What is the Overall Crime Rate in Ocala?

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, which collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies across the United States, Ocala, Florida, has a relatively high crime rate compared to other cities of similar size.

Crime Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants

As shown in the table above, Ocala’s crime rate has fluctuated over the past few years, but it remains significantly higher than the national average. In 2019, the crime rate in Ocala was 4,434.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is 84.6% higher than the national average of 2,400.3 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Types of Crime in Ocala

Ocala’s crime rate is not uniform across all categories. Some types of crime are more prevalent than others. Here are the top 5 types of crime in Ocala, ranked by frequency:

• Property Crime: 72.1% of all reported crimes in Ocala are property crimes, which include burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
• Violent Crime: 14.5% of reported crimes are violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
• Burglary: 26.4% of reported property crimes are burglaries, which is the highest rate among all property crimes.
• Larceny: 23.5% of reported property crimes are larcenies, which include theft of personal property and shoplifting.
• Motor Vehicle Theft: 10.1% of reported property crimes are motor vehicle thefts.

Neighborhoods with High Crime Rates in Ocala

While crime can occur anywhere, some neighborhoods in Ocala have higher crime rates than others. Here are the top 5 neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Ocala, based on FBI data:

• East Ocala: This neighborhood has a crime rate of 5,414.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is significantly higher than the citywide average.
• Northeast Ocala: With a crime rate of 5,242.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, this neighborhood is also known for its high crime rate.
• South Ocala: This neighborhood has a crime rate of 4,953.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most crime-prone areas in Ocala.
• Northwest Ocala: With a crime rate of 4,842.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, this neighborhood is also a concern for residents and visitors.
• Southeast Ocala: This neighborhood has a crime rate of 4,734.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is slightly higher than the citywide average.

What to Do if You’re a Victim of Crime in Ocala

If you’re a victim of crime in Ocala, here are some steps you can take:

• Report the crime to the Ocala Police Department: Contact the Ocala Police Department’s non-emergency line at (352) 369-7000 or report the crime online through their website.
• Contact your insurance company: If you’re a victim of property crime, contact your insurance company to report the incident and file a claim.
• Seek medical attention: If you’re a victim of violent crime, seek medical attention immediately.
• Keep a record of the crime: Keep a record of the crime, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of the incident.
• Seek support: Consider seeking support from friends, family, or a professional counselor if you’re struggling to cope with the aftermath of a crime.

Conclusion

Ocala, Florida, has a relatively high crime rate compared to other cities of similar size. While crime can occur anywhere, some neighborhoods in Ocala have higher crime rates than others. By understanding the types of crime in Ocala and taking steps to stay safe, you can minimize your risk of becoming a victim of crime. Remember to report any crimes to the Ocala Police Department and seek support if you need it.