Looking at crime statistics helps determine which neighborhoods are relatively safe and what types of crime to be cautious about.

It's much more accurate to look at the data than to make vague statements like "Orlando is dangerous" or "Florida is safe." Here's a breakdown of the situation in Orlando by major crime types.

Violent crime includes murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report (UCR), there have been years when Orlando's violent crime rate was nearly double the national average. There have been times when the number of violent crimes per 100,000 people exceeded 700, which is higher than the Florida state average. However, in recent years, crime statistics across Florida have fluctuated post-pandemic, and Orlando has seen some improvements in certain indicators as the city expanded community safety programs.

In terms of homicide, Orlando tends to maintain around 10 incidents per 100,000 people. This is relatively high compared to the national average of about 6. However, it's important to note that most homicides occur in specific high-risk areas and within certain social contexts. Random murders or those in typical residential areas are very rare. Gun-related incidents in the Pine Hills and Paramore areas are significant contributors to the statistics.

Motor vehicle theft is a crime that consistently shows high rates in Orlando. Due to its nature as a tourist city, targeting rental cars, parking lot break-ins, and theft of items from vehicles are frequent. Incidents are often reported near hotel parking lots around I-Drive, theme park parking areas, and rental car locations near the airport. Locals also make a point to avoid leaving valuables or luggage in plain sight in their vehicles. It's important to develop the habit of putting even small bags in the trunk or taking them with you when exiting the car.

Property crime includes theft, burglary, and arson. Orlando's property crime rate is also higher than the national average. Larceny-theft is the most common type, occurring in shopping malls, tourist areas, and residential neighborhoods. Among the local Korean community, there are occasional shared experiences of items disappearing from cars or outside homes.

Looking at the trends in property crime in Florida, some types increased after the pandemic but have recently stabilized. A catalyst for this has been the increased demand for used parts due to supply chain shortages, leading to a surge in vehicle thefts and catalytic converter thefts, which has been particularly noticeable throughout Florida, including Orlando. Older vehicle models tend to have catalytic converters with higher precious metal content, making them targets.

This is how to apply the data to real life. Before moving, check crime maps for recent incidents within a few hundred meters of potential addresses on websites like Neighborhood Scout or SpotCrime. Ideally, choose addresses with low crime types and frequencies.

After moving, subscribing to social media and email alerts from the Orlando Police Department (OPD) or the Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) will keep you updated on local safety issues in real-time. The Nextdoor app is also actively used as a channel for local residents to share crime-related information.