Panama City, FL Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 36% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Panama City Safe?
Somewhat — crime is near the national average
Safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Some areas are safe, others are not.
Panama City has a crime rate that is 5% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 244.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like St. Andrews earn an A safety grade, while Millville rates C+. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Panama City.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 244
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
8% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 46
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
19% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Panama City Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
107 | +7% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
106 | +6% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
107 | +7% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
118 | +18% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
114 | +14% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
105 | +5% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Panama City Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Panama City?
Safety varies dramatically across Panama City's 4+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 4Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 3Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 4 neighborhoods in Panama City
All Panama City Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Andrews | A | 134 |
| 2 | Downtown | B- | 180 |
| 3 | Downtown North | C+ | 141 |
| 4 | Millville | C+ | 172 |
Panama City Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Panama City zip codes.
Panama City Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Panama City, FL?
Panama City, FL has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 5% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 244 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 46 chance for property crime. Panama City has lower crime than 36% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Panama City, FL safe to live in?
Panama City has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 50% of the city's 4 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, St. Andrews is one of the safest areas, while Millville has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Panama City is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Panama City?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Panama City are St. Andrews, Downtown, Downtown North, and Millville. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Panama City?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Panama City include Millville, Downtown North, and St. Andrews. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Panama City?
The estimated violent crime rate in Panama City is 409.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 8% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 244 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.4 per 100K (7% above average); aggravated assault at 285.2 per 100K (6% above average); robbery at 79.3 per 100K (7% above average).
What is the property crime rate in Panama City?
The estimated property crime rate in Panama City is 2,174.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 19% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 46 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 233.4 per 100K (13% below average); larceny/theft at 1,604.6 per 100K (14% above average); vehicle theft at 336.2 per 100K (5% above average).
How does Panama City crime compare to the national average?
Panama City's overall crime rate is 5% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (18% above average), while burglary is 13% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Panama City has lower crime than 36% of them.
Is Panama City safe to visit?
Visitors to Panama City should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 19% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include St. Andrews, Downtown, Downtown North.
How does Panama City crime compare to the rest of Florida?
Florida as a whole has crime that is 3% above the national average. Panama City's crime rate is 5% below the national average, making it safer the typical Florida city.
What type of crime is most common in Panama City?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Panama City, with an estimated rate of 1,604.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 14% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,174 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (410 per 100K) in Panama City, which is consistent with national trends.