Central Heights Neighborhood, Sarasota
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — exercise caution, especially at night
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Sarasota
Is Central Heights Safe?
No — this is a high-crime area. Central Heights in Sarasota, FL has a safety grade of D-. The overall crime index is 194, which is 94% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Sarasota average (crime index 110), Central Heights is 84% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 199, 99% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 186).
Central Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Sarasota city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
199 | +99% | High | |
|
Assault
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
199 | +99% | High | |
|
Rape
|
198 | +98% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
186 | +86% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
199 | +99% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
199 | +99% | High | |
How Central Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Central Heights vs Sarasota average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central Heights, Sarasota?
Central Heights in Sarasota, FL has a crime safety grade of D- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 194, which is 94% above the national average. Compared to the Sarasota average, crime in Central Heights is 84% higher.
Is Central Heights a safe neighborhood in Sarasota?
Central Heights has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D-. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Murder (index: 199), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 186).
How does Central Heights compare to the rest of Sarasota?
Central Heights's overall crime index is 194, compared to the Sarasota average of 110. This means crime in Central Heights is 84% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 197, and for property crime it is 195. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Central Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Central Heights is Murder, with a crime index of 199 (99% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Central Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Bayou Oaks, Indian Beach / Sapphire Shores, Downtown Sarasota and Golden Gate Point. These areas are close to Central Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central Heights?
Central Heights has a population of approximately 124. The median household income is $23,400. The median home value is $332,817. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central Heights crime compare to the national average?
Central Heights's overall crime rate is 94% above the national average (index 194 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.