Is Ocala or Tampa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Tampa is safer than Ocala (Safety Score 43/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100,000 versus 3,561 for Ocala — 46% lower. Ocala has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Tampa has a 52% lower rate.
Note: Tampa is 5.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ocala — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tampa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ocala, FL
Tampa, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ocala | Tampa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,560.5 | 1,912.7 | +1,647.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 511.1 | 447.3 | +63.8 |
| Murder Rate | 7.1 | 8.8 | -1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 48.5 | 41.9 | +6.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 58.5 | 59.0 | -0.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 385.5 | 335.0 | +50.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,049.4 | 1,465.3 | +1,584.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 274.1 | 167.4 | +106.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,742.5 | 1,154.5 | +1,587.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 32.8 | 143.4 | -110.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ocala or Tampa safer?
Tampa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,913 per 100K vs 3,561 for Ocala — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ocala has a violent crime rate of 511.1 per 100K while Tampa has 447.3. Tampa has lower violent crime.
About Ocala, FL
Ocala, nestled in Marion County, is famed for its thoroughbred horse farms. This Central Florida city, with a significant retiree population, is also home to the historic Fort King National Historic Landmark. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 70,046, Ocala has a total crime rate of 3,560.5 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.