Sarasota, FL Crime Rate 2025 – Latest Statistics

When searching for a good place to live, whether for yourself or your loved ones, safety may be one of your highest priorities. After all, you’ll want to live somewhere where you and your family won’t get hurt, especially if you have long-term plans involving putting down roots and making a life. Understanding and analyzing the Sarasota, FL, crime rate can be beneficial when it comes to looking for a new home. If you or someone you know is facing legal challenges, a local Sarasota criminal defense lawyer can provide the guidance and representation you need to navigate complex legal matters.

Sarasota, FL, Crime Rate

It is no secret that some cities and towns in the US feel safer than others, and the crime statistics gathered around the country often back up those claims. Sarasota has a considerably higher crime rate than many other places in Florida and even the wider United States.

According to a 2023 study, the rate of violent crime at the time in Sarasota County was 94.9 per 100,000 people. There was more violent crime in Sarasota than about three-quarters of other Florida counties. Over the next year, the crime rate appeared to gradually increase, and it is expected to increase yet again in 2025. It may be important to break down the crime rate further by looking into the frequency of the actual crimes committed:

• Murder: The national average murder rate is 6.3 per 100,000 people. The Sarasota average murder rate is 12.6, exactly twice the agreed-upon national average. The reported murder rate in Florida is 5.0, a bit below the national average.
• Assault: The national average of reported assaults is around 268 per 100,000 people, while the Sarasota average is 465, marking a 197-point increase. The reported average of assaults in Florida is 190, which is considerably lower than the national average.
• Rape: For reported instances of rape, the US average is around 40 per 100,000 people. The average in Sarasota is around 45, five points higher than the national average. The number of reported instances of rape in Florida is around 30, meaning that Sarasota has an above-average number of reported rapes per 100,000 people than both the United States and Florida averages.
• Robbery: The national average of reported robberies per 100,000 people is around 66. The average number in Sarasota hovers around 135, considerably more than the national average. The number of reported robberies in Florida is around 33, meaning Sarasota’s robbery rate is over four times the state average.
• Burglary: The national average of reported burglaries per 100,000 people hovers around 269, depending on how many are being reported. The burglary average for Sarasota is 417, considerably more than the national average. The number of reported burglaries for Florida is 173, a considerable decrease from Sarasota’s average and the national average.
• Auto Theft: The national average of reported vehicle thefts is around 282 per 100,000 people. The vehicle theft average in Sarasota is 330, a significant rise from the national average. For Florida alone, that number lowers to 138, significantly lower than the national average and almost 200 points lower than Sarasota.
• Violent Crime: The total violent crime rate in the United States hovers around 370 per 100,000 people with the most recent statistics. The violent crime rate in Sarasota is 659, a significant increase from the national average. The violent crime rate in Florida is 259, a big drop from the national average but nowhere near as high as Sarasota.

FAQs

Q: What Part of Sarasota Is the Safest?

A: While every part of Sarasota has the potential to be dangerous depending on the time of day and who is present in the neighborhood, the safest part of Sarasota is widely considered to be Lakewood Ranch, one of the city’s suburban neighborhoods. Other safe neighborhoods include Bee Ridge, South Gate Ridge, Palmetto, and Fruitville, among others.

Q: Where Do Most Retirees Live in Sarasota?

A: Many retirees live in retirement communities located in safe areas just outside of Sarasota but within Sarasota County. Often, retirees travel to Sarasota or other cities in Florida during the winter to get away from cold wintery weather. Siesta Key, Southgate, and Longboat Key are some popular retirement communities in the area.

Q: What Are the Negatives of Living in Sarasota, Florida?

A: The negatives of living in Sarasota, FL, are largely relative to each individual. What might be considered a dealbreaker for one person may be a perk to another. Generally, some of the universal negatives of Sarasota include the constant humidity, the housing prices, the heavy traffic, and an infrastructure that many consider to be outdated and unable to keep up with recent population growth.

Q: Is Sarasota or Tampa Safer?

A: When you consider both cities’ growing crime rates and recent histories, it is safe to say that Tampa is safer than Sarasota. Sarasota has a higher violent crime rate than Tampa, as well as a less safe infrastructure and a heavier traffic flow. Ultimately, it’s better to decide for yourself if you feel more comfortable in either Sarasota or Tampa.

Q: Is Sarasota a Nice Part of Florida?

A: For the most part, Sarasota is largely considered a nice place to live and a nice part of Florida. While it has issues with crime, so do many other cities in the United States. Sarasota is also known for its consistently warm weather, beautiful beaches, and impressive arts scene, as well as a thriving dining scene and good schools with youth development programs.

If You Need Legal Help, Reach Out to the Attorneys at Ruhl Law, P.A., Today

Sarasota, FL, has both ups and downs. It has a high crime rate, but it also has a thriving arts scene and miles of sandy beaches. Every major city in the country has its share of problems with crime and infrastructure. Ultimately, Sarasota’s safety and comfort are subjective.

If you are ever accused of a violent crime in Sarasota, you may want to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you build a defense strategy and protect your interests throughout your case. The legal team at Ruhl Law, P.A., can provide you with the help you’ll need. Contact us to learn what we can do for you.