Key West, FL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Key West safe?

Key West earns an overall crime grade of B, which places it in a favorable position compared to many U.S. cities of similar size. With a population of roughly 24,495 and a population density of 1,689 people per square mile, the island's compact geography means law enforcement can respond relatively quickly across most areas. Violent crime rates remain low, and the majority of incidents reported on the Key West crime map fall into the property crime category. Tourist-heavy corridors like Duval Street and the Historic District see the most foot traffic and, consequently, the most petty theft reports, but serious violent offenses are uncommon. A low unemployment rate of just 2% and a median household income of $73,029 support a stable community environment that helps keep crime rates in check. As with any destination, basic precautions — keeping valuables secured, staying in well-lit areas after dark, and staying aware of your surroundings — go a long way toward ensuring a safe visit or residency.

What is the crime rate in Key West?

Key West's overall crime grade stands at a B, reflecting a crime environment that is better than average for Florida resort cities. Property crimes, particularly petty theft and shoplifting, account for the largest share of incidents and are most concentrated in high-traffic tourist zones such as Duval Street and Mallory Square. Violent crime makes up a much smaller proportion of total incidents and is comparatively rare given the city's tourism-driven economy and tight-knit community. The city's 2% unemployment rate — well below the national average — and a poverty rate of 10.8% paint a picture of a community with relatively strong economic footing, both of which are statistically correlated with lower crime levels. Median household income of $73,029 further underscores the economic stability that helps keep Key West's crime grade solidly in the B range. Checking the interactive crime map regularly gives residents and visitors the most current picture of where and what types of incidents are occurring.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Key West?

Key West's overall B crime grade is distributed unevenly across its neighborhoods, and understanding those differences helps residents and visitors make informed decisions. Old Town benefits from a high concentration of hotels, restaurants, and round-the-clock foot traffic, which naturally deters opportunistic crime and supports a visible police presence. The Historic District similarly enjoys active community engagement and well-lit streets that contribute to lower incident rates. New Town, located toward the eastern end of the island, tends to be more residential and quieter, with crime reports skewing toward minor property incidents rather than violent offenses. Areas near the waterfront and Truman Annex are also generally regarded as low-incident zones due to their planned layouts and engaged homeowner communities. For the most granular, up-to-date breakdown, the Key West crime map allows you to filter by neighborhood and incident type, giving you a data-driven view rather than relying solely on general reputation.

Is Key West a good place to live?

From a safety and quality-of-life perspective, Key West stacks up well. The city's B overall crime grade means that most residents go about daily life without significant safety concerns. The economic indicators reinforce this: a 2% unemployment rate, a median household income of $73,029, and a median home value of $687,786 all point to a community that is financially stable and invested in maintaining its quality of life. The 10.8% poverty rate is a factor worth noting, as pockets of economic hardship can correlate with localized upticks in property crime, particularly in areas away from the main tourist corridors. Median rent of $1,877 reflects the high cost of island living, which can be a barrier for some but also helps maintain a relatively stable resident population. For those who can afford it, Key West offers a rare combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, a strong local economy, and a crime environment that grades out solidly above average — making it a genuinely appealing place to call home.

How does Key West's crime grade compare to other Florida cities?

Key West's B overall crime grade compares favorably to many larger Florida metros. Cities with populations in the hundreds of thousands often struggle with higher per-capita violent and property crime rates driven by greater economic inequality and urban density. Key West's relatively modest population of 24,495 and its density of 1,689 people per square mile — dense for a small island but far below major urban centers — allow for more effective community policing. The city's 2% unemployment rate is among the lowest you'll find anywhere in Florida, a metric that consistently correlates with safer communities in criminological research. While no city is crime-free, a B grade signals that Key West manages its safety challenges better than a significant portion of comparable Florida destinations, making it a reasonable choice for both short-term visitors and long-term residents evaluating safety as part of their decision.