Miami Gardens, FL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Miami Gardens, FL

Is Miami Gardens safe to live in?

Miami Gardens earns an overall crime grade of C- city-wide, but the neighborhood-level picture is more nuanced. Of the two neighborhoods analyzed, 50% received a Grade A and 50% received a Grade C — meaning half the city's studied communities fall into the "safe" category. Scott Lake, home to roughly 15,797 residents and a median household income of $71,746, earned an A+ — the highest possible rating. Lake Lucerne, with a population of about 3,417 and a median income of $42,290, came in at a C+, indicating a moderate but manageable crime environment. So while the city-wide grade reflects real challenges, many residents — particularly those in Scott Lake — live in genuinely low-crime conditions.

What is the crime rate in Miami Gardens compared to national averages?

Miami Gardens carries an overall crime grade of C-, which places it below the national median for similarly sized cities. The city's socioeconomic context is relevant here: the unemployment rate sits at 8.7%, the poverty rate is 17.3%, and the median household income is $46,760 — all factors that research consistently links to elevated crime risk. That said, the neighborhood breakdown tells a more optimistic story: 50% of analyzed neighborhoods score in the A range, showing that safe pockets do exist within the city. Prospective residents should weigh both the city-wide C- grade and the neighborhood-specific data when making decisions.

Which neighborhoods in Miami Gardens have the lowest crime?

Based on the most recent data, Scott Lake is the safest neighborhood in Miami Gardens, earning an impressive A+ grade. With a population of 15,797 and a median household income of $71,746 — well above the city median of $46,760 — Scott Lake combines strong community stability with low crime rates. Lake Lucerne is the second neighborhood analyzed, receiving a C+ grade. Its median income of $42,290 is closer to the city average, and its crime profile is moderate rather than severe. For anyone prioritizing safety above all else, Scott Lake stands out as the clear top choice within Miami Gardens.

Which areas of Miami Gardens have higher crime levels?

Among the neighborhoods analyzed, Lake Lucerne carries the highest relative crime level with a grade of C+. While a C+ does not indicate a dangerous neighborhood outright, it does suggest residents should exercise standard urban precautions — securing vehicles, being aware of surroundings at night, and staying informed via local crime reports. No analyzed neighborhood received a D or F grade, which is a meaningful data point: even the highest-crime area studied falls within the middle of the grading scale, not the bottom.

How does Miami Gardens' population density affect crime?

Miami Gardens has a population density of 2,346 people per square mile, which is moderate for South Florida. Higher density environments can correlate with increased property crime opportunities, and the city's overall C- crime grade reflects that reality to some degree. However, density alone doesn't determine safety — Scott Lake's A+ grade demonstrates that well-resourced, cohesive communities can maintain low crime rates even within a denser urban fabric. The city's median rent of $1,320 and median home value of $214,915 suggest a working-class to middle-income housing market, which aligns with the mixed safety profile seen across neighborhoods.

Is Miami Gardens a good place to buy a home?

Miami Gardens offers a median home value of $214,915 — significantly below the Miami-Dade County average — making it one of the more affordable entry points into South Florida real estate. The city-wide crime grade of C- is a factor buyers should weigh, but neighborhood selection matters enormously. Buyers targeting Scott Lake, which holds an A+ safety grade and a median household income of $71,746, are looking at a community that combines relative affordability with strong safety metrics. Lake Lucerne, graded C+, may appeal to budget-conscious buyers willing to accept a moderate crime environment. As with any purchase, reviewing the Miami Gardens crime map at the neighborhood level — not just the city average — is essential before committing.