The 5 Worst Neighborhoods in Pasco County, Florida
Located in the western region of Florida, Pasco County is home to over 561,891 individuals according to the 2020 census. This county is a part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area and offers a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas.
However, it’s crucial to note that not every corner of Pasco County provides an equal level of safety or livability. To shed light on the matter, this article will bring your attention to the top five neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Pasco County, Florida.
5. Holiday
Located in Pasco County, Holiday is a bustling community with a population of 21,904 as of 2020. Despite its thriving atmosphere, the area faces certain challenges, particularly in regards to crime rates. With a violent crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 24.7 per 1,000 residents, both exceeding the county averages of 3 and 16.6, respectively, the residents of Holiday are working to address these issues and improve safety for all.
According to CrimeGrade.org, Holiday has received a subpar overall crime grade of C-, indicating that it is one of the more dangerous regions in Pasco County. Despite its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the availability of waterfront properties and parks, Holiday is plagued by issues such as poverty, unemployment, and drug-related concerns.
4 Zephyrhills:
With a population of 16,240 as of 2020, Zephyrhills is a city in Pasco County that encounters some challenges. It surpasses the county averages with a violent crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 25.8 per 1,000 residents. These rates are higher than the county averages of 3 and 16.6, respectively.
Zephyrhills, a city in Pasco County, has been assigned a low overall crime grade of C- by CrimeGrade.org. This indicates that the city is considered one of the less safe places to live in the county. Despite being famous for its natural spring water and skydiving center, Zephyrhills struggles with several issues such as homelessness, gang activity, and vandalism.
3. Dade City
Dade City, a city and the county seat of Pasco County, is home to a population of 7,581 people as of 2020. However, the city faces security concerns as it has a higher violent crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 28.8 per 1,000 residents. These rates exceed the county averages of 3 and 16.6, respectively.
According to CrimeGrade.org, Dade City has been given a low overall crime grade of C-, indicating that it is one of the more unsafe areas in Pasco County. Despite its charming and historic downtown area and the various festivals it hosts, Dade City faces several challenges such as poverty, drug-related concerns, and domestic violence.
2. Port Richey
As of 2020, New Port Richey, a city situated in Pasco County, is home to around 16,494 individuals. However, the city faces a major issue with a violent crime rate of 10 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 31.9 per 1,000 residents. These crime rates are higher than the county averages of 3 and 16.6, respectively, posing a significant challenge for the security and safety of the residents.
New Port Richey receives a low overall crime grade of C- from CrimeGrade.org, indicating its position as one of the more hazardous areas in Pasco County. Despite offering cultural attractions and events along the Pithlachascotee River, the city struggles with problems such as blight, prostitution, and theft.
1. Lacoochee
Located in Pasco County, Lacoochee is a small unincorporated community with a population of around 2,500 as of 2017. Despite its quaint size, Lacoochee struggles with a high rate of crime, particularly violent crime, with a reported rate of 17 incidents per 1,000 residents. Property crime is also a significant concern, with a rate of 49 incidents per 1,000 residents. These figures are well above the county averages of 3 and 16.6, respectively, highlighting the pressing need for increased security measures in the area.
Lacoochee has been assigned a dismal overall crime grade of F by CrimeGrade.org, which designates it as the most hazardous area in Pasco County. Positioned in the northeastern region of the county, Lacoochee was once a flourishing hub for the lumber industry. However, the town is currently grappling with severe economic distress, social deterioration, and gang-related violence.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Pasco County in Florida is a place with a plethora of attractions and a diverse community. However, certain neighborhoods within the county struggle with high crime rates and social issues. According to data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and CrimeGrade.org, the following five neighborhoods are the worst in terms of crime: Lacoochee, New Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills, and Holiday. These areas have a high incidence of violent and property crimes, low overall crime grades, and various social and economic problems. If you’re a resident or a visitor to Pasco County, it’s crucial to be cautious and vigilant when dealing with these neighborhoods.
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