10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Tampa

Dec 29th 2023
Tampa is a dynamic city located on Florida’s Gulf Coast. While thousands of people visit Tampa safely each year, there are many areas within the city that should absolutely be avoided. To help you stay safe while visiting or relocating, we’ve outlined the ten worst neighborhoods in Tampa for crime.

hash-mark10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Tampa

  1. Historic Ybor
  2. Downtown
  3. Drew Park
  4. East Ybor
  5. Highland Pines
  6. Courier City
  7. Florence
  8. North Tampa
  9. Ybor City
  10. Sulphur Springs

hash-mark1. Historic Ybor

Located northeast of Downtown, Historic Ybor is the most dangerous neighborhood in Tampa. Besides being one of the worst areas in Tampa for crime, it's also one of the most run-down and dilapidated areas in the city. With a population of around 2,168, Historic Ybor has a crime rate that is a massive 686% higher than the Tampa average. Residents have a 1 in 10 chance of being the victims of a crime. Common types of crime include shootings, robberies, carjacking, theft, and murders. There is a reported gang presence in the area, which contributes heavily to violent crime and drug trafficking. 

hash-mark2. Downtown

Downtown is also one of the worst neighborhoods in Tampa for crime, even though it's the cultural and economic center of Tampa. While many visitors safely visit Downtown, there are still major concerns over crime. Out of a population of 3,504, Downtown has a crime rate that is 589% above the city average. Theft is rampant in Downtown, often targeting unsuspecting tourists. Violent crime is common as well, with murders, shootings, and robberies being common. Residents have an overall 1 in 8 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Tourists are encouraged to take precautions, especially after hours, when visiting Downtown. 

hash-mark3. Drew Park

Drew Park is another one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Tampa. This area is located directly adjacent to Tampa International Airport and has a population of 1,457. Drew Park is known for its violent streets and has a crime rate that is 428% above the Tampa average. Violent crime is a major concern in Drew Park, with murders, shootings, robberies, and assaults being well above the national average. Gang activity is present in the area, which greatly contributes to crime statistics. Residents have an overall 1 in 14 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. 

hash-mark4. East Ybor 

East Ybor is a dangerous Tampa neighborhood with a population of 1,216. The crime rate in East Ybor is 413% above the Tampa city average. Common types of crime include theft, robberies, and assaults. While many residents report feeling safe in Easy Ybor, property crime is a problem, especially at night. Poverty is a problem in East Ybor, with the average income being 39% below the national average.

hash-mark5. Highland Pines

Highland Pines is a dangerous community located in northwestern Tampa. Out of a population of 1,234, Highland Pines has a crime rate that is 321% above the Tampa average. Highland Pines has long been associated with drug activity and a large homeless population. Other common types of crime include theft, burglary, assaults, and robbery. Residents have an overall 1 in 15 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. The average income in Highland Pines is 49% below the national average. 

hash-mark6. Courier City

Courier City is also one of the worst areas in Tampa due to its high crime rate. Courier City is located in West Tampa and has a population of 4,655. Courier City has a crime rate that is 304% above the city average, with residents having a 1 in 23 chance of falling victim to a crime. Crime is reported to be significantly worse at night, with robberies, muggings, thefts, and burglaries being common. Much of Courier City is being revitalized, pushing some of the criminal elements out of the area. 

hash-mark7. Florence 

Florence is a small Tampa neighborhood that suffers from a major crime problem. The area has a population of 548 and a crime rate that is 257% above the city average. Despite the area’s small population, both violent and property crime rates are well above the national average. Overall, residents have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Poverty is also high in Florence, with the average income being 64% below the national average. 

hash-mark8. North Tampa

North Tampa is a large neighborhood with a population of 8,913. North Tampa has a crime rate that is 192% above the national average, with residents having a 1 in 21 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Common criminal complaints involve theft, car theft, and break-ins. Violent crimes like robbery and homicide are present as well. The average income in North Tampa is 51% below the national average. 

hash-mark9. Ybor City

Ybor City is another one of the worst areas in Tampa. This neighborhood is located just north of Downtown Tampa. Out of a population of 4,307, Ybor City has a crime rate that is 187% above the Tampa average. Residents have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Residents report the area around 7th Street being the safest, with crime becoming worse at night. 

hash-mark10. Sulphur Springs

Sulphur Springs is a dangerous neighborhood in north Tampa located near Temple Terrance. Sulphur Springs has a crime rate that is 184% higher than the city average, with residents having a 1 in 19 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Common types of crime include burglary, theft, homicide, drug trafficking, and gang activity. Being a low-income neighborhood, the average income in Sulphur Springs is 44% below the national average.