Sarasota, FL Crime Rate & Safety

Sarasota, FL has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 2% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 279 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 44 chance for property crime. Sarasota has lower crime than 34% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Sarasota has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 89% of the city's 28 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, The Founders Club is one of the safest areas, while Amaryllis Park has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Sarasota is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Sarasota are The Founders Club, Laurel Oak, Misty Creek, Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club, and Gator Creek. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Sarasota include Amaryllis Park, Bayou Oaks, Uplands, Indian Beach / Sapphire Shores, and Mid Town. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Sarasota is 358.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 6% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 279 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.5 per 100K (11% above average); aggravated assault at 246.4 per 100K (8% below average); robbery at 76.2 per 100K (3% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Sarasota is 2,280.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 24% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 44 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 247.8 per 100K (8% below average); larceny/theft at 1,675.1 per 100K (19% above average); vehicle theft at 357.1 per 100K (12% above average).

Sarasota's overall crime rate is 2% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (19% above average), while rape is 10% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Sarasota has lower crime than 34% of them.

Visitors to Sarasota should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 24% 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 The Founders Club, Laurel Oak, Misty Creek.

Florida as a whole has crime that is 3% above the national average. Sarasota's crime rate is 2% below the national average, making it roughly comparable to the typical Florida city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Sarasota, with an estimated rate of 1,675.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 19% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,280 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (358 per 100K) in Sarasota, which is consistent with national trends.