Is Key West or Tampa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Tampa is safer than Key West (Safety Score 43/100 vs 26/100), with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100,000 versus 2,612 for Key West — 27% lower. Key West has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Key West has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Tampa is 16.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Key West — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tampa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Key West, FL
Tampa, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Key West | Tampa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,611.7 | 1,912.7 | +699.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 352.3 | 447.3 | -95.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.8 | -8.8 |
| Rape Rate | 52.6 | 41.9 | +10.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 32.4 | 59.0 | -26.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 267.2 | 335.0 | -67.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,259.4 | 1,465.3 | +794.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 214.6 | 167.4 | +47.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,988.1 | 1,154.5 | +833.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 56.7 | 143.4 | -86.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Key West or Tampa safer?
Tampa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100K vs 2,612 for Key West — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Key West has a violent crime rate of 352.3 per 100K while Tampa has 447.3. Key West has lower violent crime.
About Key West, FL
Key West, a remote island city, is the southernmost point in the continental U.S. and home to Ernest Hemingway's former residence. Its transient population often includes a mix of tourists and long-term residents. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 24,697, Key West has a total crime rate of 2,611.7 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.