👉 Jump to: Is Jacksonville Safe? | Safe Areas | Crime | Scams | Weather | LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Safety | Female Travelers | Solo Travelers | Water | Safety Tips | FAQ
If you’re looking to visit the biggest city in the Sunshine State, the question of “is Jacksonville safe?” is a valid one. There’s a lot of info in regards to safety in Jacksonville, but a lot of generalities and portrayals to sift through, as well.
I’m a Jacksonville local, and I’m here to breakdown the general safety of the city. It’s vital to be cautious when moving or visiting anywhere new, and Jacksonville is no exception.
I’m here to provide comprehensive tips and advice on where to stay in Jacksonvilleand how to stay safe in Jacksonville.
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Table of Contents
Is Jacksonville Safe?
Jacksonville is generally safe, so long as travelers take precautions against any of the crimes you’d normally look out for in a major city. Visitors should be most cautious about where in the city they are. Despite Jacksonville’s reputation for violent crime, most of the violent crime rate is in specific concentrated areas.
Statistically, the violent crime rate in Jacksonville is worse than the national average, with 6 violent crimes committed per every 1,000 residents. Florida and the rest of the US only have a violent crime rate around 4 per 1,000.
Jacksonville is sometimes referred to as the “Murder Capital of Florida” due to its high homicide rate. With a population of almost 1,000,000 residents, Jacksonville’s per capita murder rate ranked at 36 with 13.3 homicides committed per 100,000 people.
While this is worrisome, most murder and violent crime is in concentrated areas that visitors can easily avoid.
It’s important to remember that Jacksonville is a massive city geographically, so the rates don’t always show an accurate representation of every part of the city.
Jacksonville has lower tornado rates than the rest of Florida, but hurricanes and flooding can be a problem, especially in neighborhoods like the Riverside-Avondale or San Marco areas.
Things to Know About Safety in Jacksonville
Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a huge city with lots of different areas to stay. The majority of popular areas are relatively safe, especially during the daytime.
Deerwood, Girvin, Ortega Forest, and Eagle Bend are some of the safest neighborhoods with the lowest crime rate statistics in Jacksonville.
Riverside-Avondale, San Marco, and Jacksonville Beach all fall into the average crime rate statistics for Jacksonville. They’re also some of the nicest and most historic areas of the city. Violent crimes are uncommon during the day, but you should be more cautious at night, especially when alone.
Downtown Jacksonville is often busy and bustling with people, so you’re unlikely to find yourself alone. Venturing during the daytime is generally safe. When it comes to violent crime in Downtown Jacksonville, most assaults or murders occur on weekends and at night. Downtown Jacksonville’s crime rate is 63% higher than the national average.
When it comes to unsafe areas, 45th and Moncrief, East Jacksonville, Hogan’s Creek, and Mid Westside are all statistically more dangerous than the rest of Jacksonville.
Crime in Jacksonville
The most common crime in Jacksonville is theft. The property crime rate in Jacksonville is 2,871 per 100,000 residents, which is 46.6% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate in Jacksonville is 698 per 100,000 residents, but 2023 has seen a decrease in shootings.
The majority of criminals don’t target tourists. Those that do are most likely to try to either steal from you or attempt to sell you some sort of scam. Be cautious and use the same sensible mentality you would in any other big city.
At the beginning of 2023, there were roughly 1,200 homeless people in the Duval County, Clay County, Nassau County, and greater Jacksonville areas. The homeless are not typically involved in crime and keep to themselves.
Common Scams in Jacksonville
According to the FBI 2022 Internet Crime Report, Florida ranked second in scam victims in the United States. There were 42,792 victims losing $844 million that year. Ignore any ads, emails, texts, or calls from anyone feigning urgency or selling something too good to be true. Follow the recommended protocol from the FDIC and stay safe.
Theft is more common in Jacksonville. Keep your valuables on you and either in front of you or secured. Be wary of anyone asking for donations. It’s not uncommon for someone to pocket your ‘donation’ and run with it.
Generally, ignoring anyone offering any free or cheap ‘local’ goods. Find reputable companies/businesses with lots of reviews and practice basic caution so you don’t fall for bogus services.
Hazardous Weather and Natural Disasters in Jacksonville
Hurricanes can be an issue in Jacksonville, and flooding with it. Jacksonville receives about 52 inches of rain per year, mostly during the rainy summer season. Downtown Jacksonville, Riverside-Avondale, San Marco, Lakeshore, and Jacksonville Beach are all prone to flooding.
The St. Johns River running through Jacksonville means Duval County areas in particular are likely to flood. Tornadoes occasionally hit Jacksonville, though intense rainfall is the bigger worry. Even when a hurricane passes Jacksonville, the effects are often unavoidable.
Extreme heat is not uncommon during the summer. 95+°F heat, coupled with the intense humidity, can easily feel much hotter than it is. It’s important to stay hydrated and go indoors if the heat becomes too much to handle.
I wrote an entire guide to when to visit Jacksonville that can help you avoid the most extreme weather conditions.
LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Safety
LGBTQ+ and BIPOC travelers should feel welcome in Jacksonville. In trendy areas like Riverside-Avondale or San Marco, you’ll find several LGBTQ+ friendly or black-owned businesses. Jacksonville has multiple LGTBQ+ bars and events.
Jacksonville is a very diverse city and the majority of its citizens happily celebrate that.
Female Travelers in Jacksonville
Female travelers can enjoy everything Jacksonville has to offer on their own. However, like in any other city, women should always be aware of their surroundings. If you’re going out, do research on the area beforehand. Plan out your transportation and route home if you’ll be returning after nightfall.
Don’t be afraid to leave anywhere you find yourself uncomfortable. Never tell strangers any unnecessary information, like where you’re staying or where you plan to go after. Avoid areas with a high crime rate.
Safety for Solo Travelers in Jacksonville
Solo travelers should be safe as long as they know where they’re going and when. Avoid Downtown Jacksonville at night and don’t swim at any of the beaches alone at night. Research different areas and hotels to make sure you’re comfortable and secure.
Try to join group activities or enjoy some of the tours Jacksonville has to offer.
If you want to enjoy the nightlife, keep your wits about you and exercise caution. Don’t take any unnecessary risks and try to stay near people.
Don’t forget to update friends and family on your safety. Even posting or sharing on social media can help with making sure your loved ones know where you are and how you’re doing.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Jacksonville?
Despite its reputation for tasting odd, Jacksonville’s tap water is safe to drink. Some people find that tap water in Florida, in general, tastes different from what they are used to, but the water in Jacksonville meets the current guidelines set by the EPA. JEA releases a yearly water quality report that can help ease concerns.
8 Safety Tips for Jacksonville
Tip #1 – Keep Track of Your Valuables
Don’t leave anything important to you in your car or unattended elsewhere. Theft is Jacksonville’s most common crime, so be sure to keep track of your valuables at all times.
Tip #2 – Be Cautious of the Weather
Jacksonville’s weather can be equal parts erratic and hectic. If you’re not used to driving in heavy rain or strong winds, pull over. It’s better to wait it out, in the car or inside a building where you can rest, than it is to get in an accident.
Avoid anywhere bordering the St. Johns River if the rain is likely to be heavy. Flooding occurs in several Duval County neighborhoods.
Heat can also be a problem. Expect the interior of your vehicle to reach extremely high temperatures during the day. If you or someone with you is vulnerable to extreme heat, you may need to let the car cool off first. If it’s cooler outside with the wind than it is inside the car, wait a few minutes for the air conditioning to kick in.
Tip #3 – Avoid Certain Areas at Night
Most areas with a high crime rate are dangerous day and night. But areas like Downtown Jacksonville have most of their crimes committed at night. Especially if you’re traveling alone, don’t wander unfamiliar ground.
Tip #4 – Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Even if you’re surrounded by people in a well-lit and generally safe area, be aware of your surroundings and follow your instincts. If something feels off, don’t worry about missing out on something, just leave. You could be wrong, but it’s not worth the price if you ignore your immediate response and are right.
Jacksonville isn’t a particularly walkable city, but most of it is safe to traverse in any manner throughout the day. Come night, be extra cautious and try to stick with people.
Tip #5 – Plan Your Route
Plan your route and try to stay near the safest neighborhoods you can. If you’re like me and you’re not particularly good with maps, try, at the least, to not get lost.
Especially if traveling by car, it’s best to know where you are, even if you’re not planning every minute of the drive. Knowing the names of areas with high crime rates and avoiding said areas helps.
Tip #6 – Don’t Bother Carrying Cash
Most local businesses take both cash and cards. If a business is cash-only, go to an ATM, get the amount you need, and promptly use it. Carrying cash is an unnecessary risk in a big city like Jacksonville, and the added stress of losing it or being a victim of theft isn’t worth it.
Tip #7 – Put Yourself First
If someone attempts to rob you, you might want to fight, and that’s perfectly valid. But your life is not worth whatever money or valuable they’re attempting to take. Put yourself first and report the crime when it’s over. Avoid confrontation if you can.
Tip #8 – Ignore Provocation
If a stranger is yelling at you or trying to get the attention of you or someone in your direction, the best thing you can do is ignore them. Falling for their trick is more likely to get you in trouble than not. There’s no reason a stranger should address you in any manner that makes you uncomfortable.
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FAQs About Safety in Jacksonville
What are the safest areas to stay in Jacksonville?
The Deerwood neighborhood and adjacent Southside area boasts a lower crime rate. It’s also a more family-friendly area than most of Jacksonville. Jacksonville Beach has less violent crime than Jacksonville generally does. The hotels in Downtown Jacksonville are generally safe due to their popularity and central location.
Is Jacksonville a safe place to visit?
Jacksonville is a relatively safe place to visit for a city of its size and with its population. Travelers would do well to exercise the same caution they would anywhere else. Tourist-y areas are less likely to suffer from a high crime rate.
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I hope you found my guide to safety in Jacksonville helpful. Jacksonville can be a great place to visit and to live. If you’re looking to make the most of your visit, check out my guide to the best Jacksonville day trips!
