10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Orlando

May 8th 2024
Orlando is a busy tourist city that is home to attractions like Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Disney’s Magic Kingdom. It’s also home to many thriving businesses and cultural centers, which help attract new residents each year. However, Orlando has some areas that have high crime rates and poverty.

Compared to other large cities in the state, Orlando is fairly dangerous as it's high crime rates make it one of the worst cities in Florida. If you are considering visiting or moving to the city, this report on the ten most dangerous neighborhoods in Orlando will help you determine which areas to avoid. 

hash-mark10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Orlando

  1. Mercy Drive
  2. North Orange
  3. Malibu Groves
  4. Roosevelt Park
  5. Johnson Village
  6. Lake Sunset 
  7. Carver Shores
  8. Rock Lake
  9. Washington Shores
  10. Lake Mann Gardens

hash-mark1. Mercy Drive

Mercy Drive is the most dangerous neighborhood in Orlando due to its soaring crime rate. Mercy Drive is a residential area located northwest of Downtown Orlando. With a population of 1,549, Mercy Drive has a crime rate that is 369% above the Orlando average. Violent crimes involving gangs, shootings, assaults, and robberies are common in the area. Mercy Drive also struggles with poverty and unemployment, with the median income being 63% below the national average. Residents have approximately a 1 in 8 chance of becoming the victims of a crime. 

hash-mark2. North Orange

North Orange is also one of the worst areas in Orlando for crime. This densely populated suburban area is located in northern Orlando. The area has a crime rate that is 248% above the Orlando average, with residents having a 1 in 9 chance of falling victim to a crime. Gang activity has been reported in parts of North Orange, which heavily contributes to violent crime and drug trafficking in the area. Property crimes like burglaries and car theft are common as well. 

hash-mark3. Malibu Groves

Located west of downtown along Lake Mann, Malibu Groves is a dangerous area that has longstanding problems with poverty. With a population of 1,140, Malibu Groves has a crime rate that is 235% above the national average. Violent crime is a major problem, with homicide rates being well above the national average. Residents have a 1 in 12 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. 

hash-mark4. Roosevelt Park

Roosevelt Park is another one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Orlando. This small residential area is located directly south of Malibu Groves and has a population of 395. The total crime rate in the area is 188% above the Orlando city average. The struggles with crime, poverty, and unemployment, with the median income being 27% below the national average. Common types of criminal activity include theft, robbery, car theft, and homicide.

hash-mark5. Johnson Village

Johnson Village is another small community located in western Orlando. With a population of 561, Johnson Village has a crime rate that is 187% above the city average. With both violent and property crime being well above the national average, residents have a 1 in 12 chance of becoming the victims of a crime. Crime and poverty are also rampant in the area, with the median income being 44% below the national average. 

hash-mark6. Lake Sunset

Located west of downtown, Lake Sunset is also one of the worst neighborhoods in Orlando. Lake Sunset has a crime rate that is 176% above the Orlando city average. The area has a high violent crime rate, with shootings, robberies, homicides, and assaults being common. Crime is significantly worse after dark, with residents and tourists advised not to walk alone after hours. The median income in Lake Sunset is 48% below the national average. 

hash-mark7. Carver Shores

Located in western Orlando, Carver Shores is a dangerous neighborhood that has a crime rate that is 157% above the Orlando average. With a population of 1,267, residents have over a 1 in 14 chance of becoming the victims of a crime. The most common types of crime include robberies, burglaries, assaults, car theft, and overall vagrancy. The area is known for having an active gang presence that heavily contributes to crime in the area. The median income in the area is 34% below the national average. 

hash-mark8. Rock Lake

Rock Lake is a suburban area located in northwestern Orlando. With a population of 1,040, Rock Lake has a crime rate that is 172% above the national average. Common crimes in Rock Lake include burglary, robbery, drug trafficking, and assault. Residents have a 1 in 15 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. Rock Lake struggles with poverty and unemployment, with the average income being 22% below the national average. 

hash-mark9. Washington Shores

Washington Shores is a dangerous Orlando neighborhood located between Lake Mann and Clear Lake. With a population of roughly 1,014, Washington Shores has a crime rate that is 155% above the national average. Property crimes like burglary, larceny, and break-ins are common in the area. Overall, residents have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. 

hash-mark10. Lake Mann Gardens

Lake Mann Gardens is also one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Orlando. This an area in western Orlando with a crime rate that is 146% above the national average. Common types of crime in the area include homicides, theft, burglary, and car thefts. Drug trafficking is also a problem in the area. Out of a population of 510, residents have a roughly 1 in 19 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. The median income in Lake Mann Gardens is 23% below the national average.