Home Security in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is a captivating coastal city in Okaloosa County, known for its breathtaking beaches, exhilarating recreational pursuits, and rich cultural offerings. Boasting a population exceeding 22,000, this hospitable city effortlessly combines the allure of a small-town atmosphere with contemporary conveniences. Nevertheless, Fort Walton Beach, like any urban area, confronts its share of criminal activity.
In this article, we will delve into the comprehensive crime statistics of Fort Walton Beach, identify the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates, compare the safety levels between these areas and the most secure settings, and examine the significance of home security systems in deterring crime.
Crime Statistics in Fort Walton Beach
According to the latest FBI data, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, maintains a total crime rate of 2,239 incidents per 100,000 people, lower than the national average of 2,580 incidents per 100,000 people. However, it remains essential for both residents and potential residents to stay informed about the city's crime statistics.
Property crime is the most frequent offense in Fort Walton Beach, constituting 86% of all reported crimes. In 2020 alone, the city experienced 425 reported cases of property crime. This included 77 incidents of burglary, 328 incidents of theft, and 20 incidents of motor vehicle theft. Fort Walton Beach's property crime rate is 1,956 incidents per 100,000 people, lower than the national average of 2,109 incidents per 100,000 people.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Fort Walton Beach
Although Fort Walton Beach is generally considered a safe community, specific neighborhoods within the city exhibit higher crime rates. According to NeighborhoodScout, the central and western areas of Fort Walton Beach are identified as the most dangerous neighborhoods.
It is important to note that despite the overall safety of Fort Walton Beach, certain pockets within the city experience higher crime rates. These areas primarily cluster around the central region, particularly near the intersection of Beal Parkway and Hollywood Boulevard. The elevated crime rates in these neighborhoods can be attributed to factors like socioeconomic disparities, lower educational attainment, and higher unemployment rates.
Although Doral has a relatively low crime rate overall, some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates than others. Based on crime statistics, we have identified the most dangerous neighborhoods in Doral as:
Safest Neighborhoods in Fort Walton Beach
In contrast, some Fort Walton Beach neighborhoods boast lower crime rates than the city average. These neighborhoods include:
• Ocean City
• Wright
• Shalimar
Let's examine these neighborhoods, exploring their features and factors contributing to their safety.
Ocean City:
This neighborhood is known for its safe and family-friendly atmosphere. Ocean City is located north of Fort Walton Beach and is well-connected to the city via U.S. Highway 98. It's a diverse neighborhood with a mixture of single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums. The area also offers a range of recreational amenities, including parks, a public boat ramp, and quick access to the Cinco Bayou.
Wright:
A larger area encompasses various residential, commercial, and educational spaces. This neighborhood is home to several schools, parks, and shopping centers. Wright is also the location of Northwest Florida State College, making it an attractive area for students and academics. A strong community and good public facilities contribute to its reputation as a safe neighborhood.
Shalimar:
Shalimar is a small, incorporated town just west of Fort Walton Beach. Known for its low crime rates, Shalimar offers a quiet and peaceful living environment. It's a community-oriented neighborhood with various activities and events throughout the year that encourage residents to get involved. The town is bordered by Choctawhatchee Bay, offering beautiful waterfront views and outdoor activities.
Comparison of Crime Rates in Safest and Most Dangerous Neighborhoods
In comparison, violent crime occurs less frequently in Fort Walton Beach, with only 63 reported cases in 2020. These cases encompass one instance of murder and non-negligent manslaughter, 12 cases of rape, 13 cases of robbery, and 37 cases of aggravated assault. As a result, Fort Walton Beach's violent crime rate amounts to 289 incidents per 100,000 people, also lower than the national average of 382 incidents per 100,000 people.
Despite Fort Walton Beach's scenic allure, it is crucial to analyze crime rates to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. The overall crime rate in the city stands at 45.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 28 incidents per 1,000 residents. Property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, comprise the majority of reported offenses.
Home Security in Fort Walton Beach
Given the crime statistics in Fort Walton Beach, residents must prioritize the security of their homes and the safety of their families. Various measures can significantly enhance home security and minimize the risk of falling victim to crime.
Installing a security system is one of the most effective approaches to bolstering home security. While it is still being determined how many homes in Fort Walton Beach specifically have security systems, a survey conducted by the National Council for Home Safety and Security reveals that 34% of homes in Florida have such plans.
Security systems deter potential burglars and can promptly notify homeowners and authorities in the event of a break-in. The options range from basic alarms to advanced systems encompassing features like cameras, motion detectors, and innovative home technology.
Research demonstrates that home security systems are vital in deterring residential crime. Homes equipped with security systems are significantly less likely to be targeted by burglars than those lacking such measures. By investing in home security systems, Fort Walton Beach residents actively contribute to the overall safety of their community, reducing the risk of burglary and other property crimes.
Moreover, these systems aid law enforcement agencies in solving crimes more efficiently. Modern security systems are equipped with features like video surveillance, motion sensors, and alarms, providing valuable evidence to assist criminal investigations.
