Florida is known for its sunny beaches, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. But how safe is it to live in the Sunshine State? According to various metrics, such as crime rates, income levels, poverty rates, and natural disaster vulnerability, one city stands out as the safest in Florida: Ocala.
Ocala: A Safe and Prosperous City
Ocala is located in Marion County, in the north-central part of Florida. It has a population of about 60,000 people, making it the 49th largest city in the state. Ocala is also the county seat and the principal city of the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of over 350,000 people.
Ocala has a rich history and culture, dating back to its founding in 1846. It was named after the Ocali, a Native American tribe that inhabited the area. Ocala was also known as the “Brick City” in the late 19th century, due to its many brick buildings that survived a devastating fire in 1883. Ocala is home to several historic landmarks, such as the Ocala Historic District, the Fort King National Historic Park, and the Silver Springs State Park.
Ocala is also a hub for economic activity and innovation, especially in the fields of agriculture, manufacturing, health care, and education. Ocala is the center of the “Horse Capital of the World”, with over 1,200 horse farms and a thriving equine industry. Ocala is also the headquarters of several major companies, such as Emergency One, Signature Brands, and Ansafone Contact Centers. Ocala has several educational institutions, such as the College of Central Florida, the Rasmussen College, and the Marion County Public Schools.
Ocala: A Safe and Prosperous City
But what makes Ocala the safest city in Florida? According to the 2020 FBI crime report, Ocala had the lowest crime rate among the 50 largest cities in Florida, with only 1,290 crimes reported for the entire year. This translates to a crime rate of 21.5 per 1,000 people, which is 66% lower than the state average and 54% lower than the national average. Ocala also had zero reports of murder, rape, or robbery, and only nine reports of violent crime. The majority of the crimes reported in Ocala were property crimes, such as theft and burglary, which accounted for 1,281 incidents.
Ocala’s low crime rate is attributed to several factors, such as its effective law enforcement, its strong community engagement, its proactive crime prevention programs, and its high quality of life. Ocala has a well-trained and well-equipped police department, with 165 sworn officers and 70 civilian staff. Ocala also has a high level of citizen participation, with over 400 volunteers and 100 neighborhood watch groups. Ocala also has various initiatives to reduce crime and enhance public safety, such as the Ocala Crime Stoppers, the Ocala Police Foundation, the Ocala Community Emergency Response Team, and the Ocala Police Athletic League.
Ocala also offers a high standard of living for its residents, with a median household income of $46,895, which is 13% higher than the state average. Ocala also has a low poverty rate of 12.9%, which is the lowest among the 50 largest cities in Florida. Ocala also has a positive FEMA natural disaster risk score, which means that it has a low probability of experiencing hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or earthquakes.
Conclusion
Ocala is a city that combines safety, prosperity, and culture, making it an ideal place to live, work, and visit. Ocala has been named the safest city in Florida in 2023, based on its low crime rate, its high income level, its low poverty rate, and its low natural disaster vulnerability. Ocala is also a city that celebrates its history, its diversity, and its innovation, offering a variety of attractions and opportunities for its residents and visitors. Ocala is truly the “Brick City” of Florida, standing strong and proud in the Sunshine State.