Is St. Petersburg or West Melbourne Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Melbourne is safer than St. Petersburg (Safety Score 61/100 vs 18/100), with a total crime rate of 1,351 per 100,000 versus 3,081 for St. Petersburg — 56% lower. St. Petersburg has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Melbourne has a 100% lower rate.
Note: St. Petersburg is 8.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
St. Petersburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
West Melbourne — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
St. Petersburg, FL
West Melbourne, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | St. Petersburg | West Melbourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,080.8 | 1,350.8 | +1,730.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 621.9 | 153.0 | +468.9 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 0.0 | +6.8 |
| Rape Rate | 43.4 | 13.3 | +30.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 81.5 | 23.3 | +58.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 487.9 | 116.5 | +371.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,458.9 | 1,197.7 | +1,261.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 209.4 | 59.9 | +149.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,029.8 | 1,114.6 | +915.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 219.6 | 23.3 | +196.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Petersburg or West Melbourne safer?
West Melbourne is safer with a total crime rate of 1,351 per 100K vs 3,081 for St. Petersburg — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
St. Petersburg has a violent crime rate of 621.9 per 100K while West Melbourne has 153.0. West Melbourne has lower violent crime.
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.
About West Melbourne, FL
West Melbourne, Florida, once known for its citrus groves, is a city in Brevard County. It's home to a diverse population, with many residents employed in the tech and aerospace industries. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 30,057, West Melbourne has a total crime rate of 1,350.8 per 100,000 residents.