Is South Miami or St. Petersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Miami is safer than St. Petersburg (Safety Score 26/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 2,610 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for St. Petersburg — 15% lower. South Miami has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where St. Petersburg has a 59% lower rate.
Note: St. Petersburg is 21.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
South Miami — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
St. Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
South Miami, FL
St. Petersburg, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | South Miami | St. Petersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,610.3 | 3,080.8 | -470.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 446.1 | 621.9 | -175.8 |
| Murder Rate | 16.5 | 6.8 | +9.7 |
| Rape Rate | 16.5 | 43.4 | -26.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 90.9 | 81.5 | +9.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 322.2 | 487.9 | -165.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,164.2 | 2,458.9 | -294.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 437.8 | 209.4 | +228.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,668.6 | 2,029.8 | -361.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 57.8 | 219.6 | -161.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Miami or St. Petersburg safer?
South Miami is safer with a total crime rate of 2,610 per 100K vs 3,081 for St. Petersburg — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
South Miami has a violent crime rate of 446.1 per 100K while St. Petersburg has 621.9. South Miami has lower violent crime.
About South Miami, FL
South Miami, a city incorporated in 1927, is a suburban residential area situated just southwest of downtown Miami. It's home to a diverse population, with a significant portion of its residents being young professionals and families. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 12,106, South Miami has a total crime rate of 2,610.3 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.