Panama City, FL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Panama City, FL

Is Panama City, FL safe in 2026?

Panama City earns an overall crime grade of C+ in 2026, placing it in the moderate risk category. Of the four neighborhoods analyzed, exactly 50% — two out of four — score in the safe range (A or B). St. Andrews leads with an A grade, while Downtown holds a B- grade. The remaining two neighborhoods, Downtown North and Millville, both grade at C+, meaning they sit just above average for safety. Residents and visitors who orient themselves toward St. Andrews or Downtown will generally encounter a lower-crime environment, though awareness remains important throughout the city.

What is the crime rate in Panama City, FL?

Panama City's crime picture in 2026 is best understood through its neighborhood grade distribution rather than a single number. Across four analyzed neighborhoods: 25% earn an A grade (St. Andrews), 25% earn a B grade (Downtown, at B-), and 50% earn a C grade (Downtown North and Millville, both C+). No neighborhoods currently score D or F, which is a meaningful indicator that the city avoids the most severe crime concentrations. The city-wide safety rating is Moderate (C), and with a poverty rate of 17.5% and unemployment at 6.3%, socioeconomic pressures do contribute to crime patterns in certain pockets of the city.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Panama City, FL?

Based on 2026 neighborhood crime data, here is how Panama City's analyzed neighborhoods rank by safety:

1. St. Andrews — Grade: A — The standout safest neighborhood, with a population of about 1,062 and a median household income of $48,533. St. Andrews consistently records the fewest crime incidents relative to its size, making it the top choice for safety-conscious residents.
2. Downtown — Grade: B- — Despite a lower median income of $25,738 and a small resident population of around 225, Downtown earns a solid B- safety grade. Its compact, walkable character and active foot traffic contribute to natural surveillance.
3. Downtown North — Grade: C+ — Home to roughly 3,062 residents with a median income of $38,675, Downtown North sits just above average. It is not among the highest-crime areas, but it warrants more routine awareness than St. Andrews or Downtown.
4. Millville — Grade: C+ — With a population of about 2,605 and a median income of $46,642, Millville matches Downtown North's C+ grade. Property-type incidents are the most common concern here, consistent with citywide trends.

In total, 50% of Panama City's analyzed neighborhoods qualify as safe (A or B grade), giving prospective residents real options when choosing where to live.

Is Panama City, FL a good place to live in 2026?

Panama City offers a genuinely mixed but livable profile in 2026. The city's population of 149,366 supports a range of amenities, and a median home value of $170,481 keeps homeownership accessible compared to many Florida metros. Median household income stands at $48,185, with median rent at $964 — both relatively affordable by state standards. On the economic challenge side, an unemployment rate of 6.3% and a poverty rate of 17.5% are factors worth weighing. Crime-wise, the city's C+ overall grade and the fact that no neighborhoods score D or F suggest a manageable environment, particularly if you choose St. Andrews (A) or Downtown (B-) as your base. For families and individuals who stay informed and select their neighborhood thoughtfully, Panama City can be a rewarding place to call home.

Which Panama City neighborhoods have higher crime levels?

In the current analysis, Downtown North and Millville represent the higher-crime end of Panama City's spectrum — though both grade at C+, meaning they are above average rather than dangerous by national standards. Downtown North, with over 3,000 residents, sees more incident volume simply due to its larger population. Millville's C+ grade is consistent with its slightly lower density and median income relative to St. Andrews. Importantly, no neighborhood in Panama City currently grades D or F, which distinguishes it from cities with truly high-crime zones. Residents in these C+ areas benefit most from property security measures and staying connected to local crime alert systems.

How does Panama City's crime compare to other Florida cities?

With an overall grade of C+ and a city-wide safety rating of Moderate (C), Panama City sits in the middle tier among Florida municipalities. The fact that 50% of its neighborhoods earn a safe grade (A or B) and none fall below a C+ suggests the city avoids the extreme crime concentrations found in some larger Florida urban centers. Its population density of just 395 people per square mile — relatively low — helps limit the geographic spread of crime hotspots. For context, St. Andrews' A grade would be competitive with the safest neighborhoods in many Florida cities, making it a genuine bright spot in the local landscape.