The Unexpected Florida City Regarded As One Of The Most Dangerous In America

Florida, aka the Sunshine State, attracts millions of visitors each year. With its pristine beaches, lively nightlife, and world-class theme parks, Florida captures the imagination of families, couples, and adventurers alike. Tourists flock every year to Floridian waterfront destinations like the multicultural Miami Beach or the laid-back islands of Key West. The Kennedy Space Center offers a glimpse into space exploration while the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando remains the most visited vacation resort in the world. This comes as no surprise since Disney World is an incredible destination for adults and children alike.

However, Florida's allure comes with a darker underbelly. Beneath its beauty lies the reality of high crime rates in several areas. Cities like Lake City, Miami Beach, and Florida City are often highlighted for their crime rate statistics, as the state's violent crime rate aligns closely with the national average. Yet, one city stands out with alarming figures: Belle Glade, which is nestled in Southern Florida near Lake Okeechobee.  

Belle Glade has a population of nearly 17,00 residents. The city is deeply rooted in agriculture, earning its nickname, "Muck City," due to the fertile soil used for sugar cane farming. However, despite its agricultural ties, Belle Glade struggles with a high unemployment rate, widespread poverty, and below-average educational attainment, contributing to the city's troubling crime statistics and its reputation as one of America's most dangerous cities.

Belle Glade's crime rates are shocking, especially when compared to the averages of Florida and the United States. Violent crime, which not only involves offenses such as murder, but also aggravated assault, sexual assault, and violent robbery, is a significant concern. In Belle Glade, the aggravated assault rate alone is 1,163 incidents per 100,000 residents according to the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission.  Higher than both Florida State's average and the national average. For residents, this translates to about a one in 86 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, compared to a much lower one in 345 chance for the average Floridian.

Property crime, which can include theft, burglary, and arson, is another major issue in "Muck City." Totaling the categories of larceny, motor vehicle theft, and burglary with the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission, Belle Glade reports a property crime rate of 5,130 incidents per 100,000 people. Higher than Florida's average of 2,571. According to Neighborhood Scout, a website designed to help those in real estate understand property details and safety ratings, Belle Grade gets a "4" on their total crime index, where 100 is the safest. Neighborhood Scout also reported that residents face a 1 in 33 chance of falling victim to property crimes, compared to a 1 in 66 chance in Florida overall. In almost every category, Belle Glade has higher crime rate averages than Florida's state average, according to the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission. The city ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, making it one of the least safe places in the nation, according to Areavibes, a website designated to creating livability scores in the U.S. and Canada.

Belle Glade's crime statistics are particularly unexpected given its small size. Cities known for high crime rates, such as Detroit, St. Louis, and Memphis, typically have larger populations and other factors that contribute to their challenges. Although Belle Glade may have its problems, it also offers access to nature, the arts, and community for locals and visitors alike.

The city is not entirely defined by its crime statistics either. Safer neighborhoods within the city, such as Lake Harbor and Orange Avenue Circle, show that community resiliency exists. It is also home to Lake Okeechobee, a large freshwater lake perfect for fishing and boating. Although, visitors should note that the algae that grows in Lake Okeechobee also makes it unsuitable for swimming or any activity that involves physically getting into the water. The original inhabitants of the area gave the lake its name, which means "Land of Big Water." The lake is also home to the prolific Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, a 114-mile trail circling the lake. 

Additionally, Belle Glade is home to the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, which offers live performances and entertainment throughout the year, and Palm Beach State College, which offers numerous educational programs to help create leaders who will give back to the community. Belle Glade is also the largest city in the Everglades region and is slightly over an hour's drive from Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. For those looking to spot some iconic Floridian wildlife like a manatee or crocodile, this is the spot. Belle Glade might not be the Floridian spring break destination you had in mind, but it maintains a small-town charm with deep roots in agriculture, the outdoors, and the arts.