Is Bartow or Tampa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Tampa is safer than Bartow (Safety Score 43/100 vs 33/100), with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100,000 versus 2,282 for Bartow — 16% lower. Bartow has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bartow has a 46% lower rate.
Note: Tampa is 19.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bartow — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tampa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bartow, FL
Tampa, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bartow | Tampa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,281.8 | 1,912.7 | +369.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 491.7 | 447.3 | +44.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.8 | 8.8 | -4.0 |
| Rape Rate | 43.0 | 41.9 | +1.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 66.8 | 59.0 | +7.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 377.1 | 335.0 | +42.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,790.2 | 1,465.3 | +324.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 372.4 | 167.4 | +205.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,298.5 | 1,154.5 | +143.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 119.3 | 143.4 | -24.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bartow or Tampa safer?
Tampa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100K vs 2,282 for Bartow — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bartow has a violent crime rate of 491.7 per 100K while Tampa has 447.3. Tampa has lower violent crime.
About Bartow, FL
Bartow, the "City of Oaks and Azaleas," is the county seat of Polk County in Central Florida. Founded in 1851, it's home to the historic Polk County Courthouse and a diverse population of about 20,000 residents. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 20,948, Bartow has a total crime rate of 2,281.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Tampa, FL
Tampa, a Gulf Coast city, boasts a rich Cuban heritage from its cigar industry days. It's a diverse port city situated on Tampa Bay, with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 408,646, Tampa has a total crime rate of 1,912.7 per 100,000 residents.