According to a recent article, The Villages Metropolitan Statistical Area (M.S.A.) has the lowest rate of crime in all of Florida.
In 2018, the most recent year that full FBI stats were available for at the time of this writing, The Villages M.S.A. saw 2,116 crimes per 100,000 people.
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What kind of crimes are included in these statistics?
The FBI data is broken down into the 9 different categories listed below. The amount of crimes The Villages M.S.A. experienced in each category is noted in parentheses :
- Violent crime (207)
- Murder and non-negligent manslaughter (8)
- Rape (23)
- Robbery (16)
- Aggravated assault (180)
- Property Crime (1,151)
- Burglary (263)
- Larceny-theft (729)
- Motor vehicle theft (159)
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Why does The Villages have so little crime?
Lots of factors probably contribute, but some factors the FBI says are known to affect the volume and type of crime occurring from place to place include:
• Population density and degree of urbanization. (The Villages M.S.A. was the smallest Florida M.S.A. in the study with a population of 130,254.)
• Variations in composition of the population, particularly youth concentration
• Stability of the population with respect to residents; mobility, commuting patterns, and
transient factors.
• Economic conditions, including median income, poverty level, and job availability.
• Modes of transportation and highway systems.
• Cultural factors and educational, recreational, and religious characteristics.
• Family conditions with respect to divorce and family cohesiveness.
• Climate.
• Effective strength of law enforcement agencies.
• Administrative and investigative emphases on law enforcement.
• Policies of other components of the criminal justice system (i.e., prosecutorial, judicial,
correctional, and probational).
• Citizens’ attitudes toward crime.
• Crime reporting practices of the citizenry.
It’s hard to look at that list without nodding your head at several of the factors and thinking “yep, The Villages is pretty good in that department”.
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If you’ve read my book, you know that crime does exist in The Villages. But I think you could pick worse places to live in regards to crime.
How Safe Do You Think The Villages Is?
Let other readers know in the comments below.
Johnny O'Toole says
After all, we believe that guns are good!
Elena Tellez says
ALMOST no crime. Many residents are from big cities and are street smart. Many carry concealed firearms and wouldn’t hesitate to use them if attacked. Mary homes are heavily armed… have alarms… and most have cameras at their homes. Many veterans and retired police. If I were a crook, I wouldn’t try anything here… I might likely leave in a body bag.
Tedster says
We have lived here almost 10 years now. We love it! We feel very safe. You can take a walk in the wee hours and not worry about anything.
We have thousands of activities and free music at all three town squares 7 nights a week.
We would not live anywhere else!
Yosemite Sam says
When you go by the apartments being built on 466, count them, then multiply by at least
4, and that is the number of folks you will find at Sumter Landing, wondering around. In
addition, do not be fooled by the 55+ ads. They will sell to anyone, and allow rentals to
anyone.
Jay says
We’re safe.
This is a financially secure, gated, homogeneous community of well educated, aware and mobile seniors. These are people who vote. They also require services to sustain their lives and those services are here including medical, security, basic infrastructure, good roads, lots of shopping and access to major highways. There are many veterans and many retired professionals who all have a great deal of awareness of what is needed to keep a community safe and secure. People participate in government and insist upon quality of services. We’ve been here since 2012 and have nothing but good experiences. We’re also on our second home. One thing we like is easy access to Orlando and we’re not too far from the beaches on either coast. Plus we have good access to the cruise lines. This is a good, safe retirement community. Happy to live here!
Linda Foster says
Been in The Villages for 17 years wouldn’t live anywhere else.
Marj says
I moved here in 2006 and when I met the new neighbors in our newly built village, the book was already out.
I became a community watch patrolman and learned the inner workings on security and safety.
There is no place more safe or more secure. Not all measures for the people are broadcast. The good of the people is foremost. Improvements and ideas are listened to as time has progressed and there are activities beyond your imagination at the many recreation centers.
The worlds largest American Legion is located just outside the gates. Inside, there is a Veterans memorial park with its own honor guard. The Villages is the largest senior 55+ community and most diverse.
Pat says
What effect do you think the apartments on 466 will have on The Villages? With all the “outside” building occurring, will people who actually live In The Villages & pay amenity fees be able to enjoy the entertainment on the squares without having to arrive hours ahead to find a place to sit & enjoy?
Matty says
After working for LAPD for my career i. I chose the villages because of the lack of crime. If you could stop the golf cart drivers from drinking there wouldn’t be hardly any crime😀
Charles Willette says
Be here 20 years and love it here
marge says
For anyone who wants to move to the village., ………..this community give you false security, the guard is false security, anyone can come and go because it is a county road……..move to Del Webb about 4 miles away no one can come in without a realestate agent,….. the residents, and your guest….when you live there you need to call the gate and tell them your guest’s name and about how long they will be there.and you can drive to the village for their entainment…best of two worlds………villages about 4 miles away….love this community…….
Jan McCoy says
I don’t want to live in a ‘prison’ which the locked gates imply. The gates in The Villages are to control traffic, especially crossover of traffic with golf carts, bicycles, etc. Glad you love where you live, as do we!!! 💕💕💕
Mike says
I visited Del Web and found the clubhouse to be marginally acceptable. The common area needed a lot of work to bring it up the Villages standards. Resale value in The Villages is also far greater. One more thing having lived in a gated community a good portion of your HOA fees are earmarked toward paying security personnel salaries. I would rather call them gate attendants than security guards.
Carolyn F Wright says
I doubt the information is correct. The paper DOES NOT print anything that is not sugar coated.
Ryan Erisman says
This website is not “the paper”.
Jan McCoy says
The data is from the FBI via the stated website. As accurate as you can probably get! 👍👍
Brittanyann Smith says
Where can I get copy of the book?
Ryan Erisman says
You can grab a copy right here: https://www.insidethebubble.net/book/
Joan Bender says
We have lived in The Villages for 5 years now and love it. I am a security professional and believe that people here are the same as anywhere else. You have many good people who want to help others and have fun and get involved in activities. You also have a few who are looking for an opportunity to take advantage of an older person if they think they can. There are also people who go shopping or to the squares and do not lock their car or vehicle and have expensive items on the seat and are surprised that they were robbed. I believe the same exact precautions you take where you currently live apply here also. Always lock your doors and car when away. Always screen your calls and if it sounds too good to be true it probably is; check references and do not pay for work to be done prior to it being done. You will love it here.
james Dalton says
I moved here in 2005 and you were able to do that then, not anymore.
Jim Fraser says
A big reason that is not mentioned is that 2/3 of the residents have concealed carry permits. If you’re going to commit a crime here, you’re taking a big risk.
james Dalton says
yep
Bob Breitag says
Thank you for your updates
Becky Hanby says
Hi Ryan!!!
Just want to send you a note to tell you thank you for keeping us all in the loop!!!
My husband and I bought a home last year and are renting it out till he retires in a little over a year.
We can’t wait!!! We love the Villages and visit a lot. Our next visit will be the 1st of April, and will be staying with my Mother.
Just curious where you live at now…and where you want to live when you move here.
We love your book…thanks to Skip Smith we came across your book!!!
Many Thanks!!!
Becky Hanby
Texas 4 Now!!
Debbie James says
We love The Villages FL been coming here for 8 years and finally retired and bought a home in The Villages of Charlotte……. best neighbors and friends ever and soooooo much to do ❤️