Is Marco Island or St. Petersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Marco Island is safer than St. Petersburg (Safety Score 93/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 471 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for St. Petersburg — 85% lower. Marco Island has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Marco Island has a 100% lower rate.
Note: St. Petersburg is 16.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Marco Island — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
St. Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Marco Island, FL
St. Petersburg, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Marco Island | St. Petersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 470.6 | 3,080.8 | -2,610.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 61.1 | 621.9 | -560.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.8 | -6.8 |
| Rape Rate | 30.6 | 43.4 | -12.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 81.5 | -81.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 30.6 | 487.9 | -457.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 409.5 | 2,458.9 | -2,049.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 6.1 | 209.4 | -203.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 385.0 | 2,029.8 | -1,644.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 18.3 | 219.6 | -201.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marco Island or St. Petersburg safer?
Marco Island is safer with a total crime rate of 471 per 100K vs 3,081 for St. Petersburg — a 85% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Marco Island has a violent crime rate of 61.1 per 100K while St. Petersburg has 621.9. Marco Island has lower violent crime.
About Marco Island, FL
Marco Island, Florida, a barrier island in Collier County, is known for its Gulf beaches and intricate waterways. Once home to the Calusa people, it's now a popular winter destination for retirees. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 16,362, Marco Island has a total crime rate of 470.6 per 100,000 residents.
About St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg, Florida, known as the "Sunshine City," boasts a vibrant arts scene and beautiful waterfront parks along Tampa Bay. It is part of the Tampa Bay Area, a major metropolitan region on Florida's Gulf Coast. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 264,999, St. Petersburg has a total crime rate of 3,080.8 per 100,000 residents.