The 5 Worst Neighborhoods in Volusia County, Florida

With a population of 553,543 people according to the 2020 census, Volusia County is situated in the eastern central region of Florida. The county is a part of the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metropolitan area and boasts a diverse landscape of urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Volusia County, Florida has some areas that may not be as safe or desirable to reside in compared to others. After analyzing crime data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and neighborhood ratings from CrimeGrade.org, we have identified the 5 neighborhoods with the lowest safety ratings in the county.

5. Daytona Beach

As of 2020, the population of Daytona Beach stands at 69,186. Unfortunately, the city has a high rate of violent crimes, with 11.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. In addition, the property crime rate is also high, with 48.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. Both of these rates are above the county averages, with violent crime being 3.7 per 1,000 residents and property crime being 22.6 per 1,000 residents.

According to CrimeGrade.org, Daytona Beach has been given a low overall crime grade of C-. This suggests that it is one of the less safe areas in Volusia County. Despite its reputation as a popular destination for beachgoers, motorsports enthusiasts, and spring breakers, Daytona Beach is grappling with issues such as poverty, homelessness, and drug addiction.

4. Holly Hill

Holly Hill is steeped in history, and it is fascinating to learn about its past. The city was founded in the early 1900s, and it was named after the holly trees that grew in abundance in the area. The city’s early economy was based on agriculture, and it was only in the 1920s that the city began to experience significant growth.

Today, Holly Hill is a thriving city that boasts a diverse economy, and it is home to more than 11,000 residents. The city is known for its beautiful parks, which provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

3. Pierson

As of 2020, Pierson, a town with 1,752 residents, experiences a violent crime rate of 14.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 57.6 per 1,000 residents, both of which surpass the county averages. CrimeGrade.org has assigned Pierson an alarming overall crime grade of F, designating it as the most dangerous place in Volusia County.

Pierson, situated in the northwest corner of the county, is known as the “Fern Capital of the World” due to its fern production industry. However, it also grapples with low income, low education, and gang activity.

2. DeLand

As of 2020, DeLand, a city and the county seat of Volusia County, is home to 34,422 residents. DeLand exhibits a violent crime rate of 14.8 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 60 per 1,000 residents, both of which exceed county averages.

CrimeGrade.org has awarded DeLand a very low overall crime grade of F, classifying it as the most dangerous place in Volusia County. While DeLand boasts a historic downtown area and cultural attractions, it also grapples with issues such as domestic violence, burglary, and robbery.

1. South Daytona

As of 2020, South Daytona, with a population of 13,177, reports a violent crime rate of 15 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 61.5 per 1,000 residents, both significantly higher than county averages.

CrimeGrade.org has assigned South Daytona a very low overall crime grade of F, marking it as the most perilous place in Volusia County. Positioned south of Daytona Beach along the Atlantic Ocean, South Daytona features waterfront properties and businesses but is marred by high unemployment, drug trafficking, and assaults.

Conclusion

Volusia County, which offers various attractions and amenities, also experiences areas plagued by crime and poverty. According to data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and CrimeGrade.org, South Daytona, DeLand, Pierson, Holly Hill, and Daytona Beach are the 5 most unsafe neighborhoods in Volusia County.

These neighborhoods face high crime rates, receive low overall safety grades, and confront various social and economic challenges. Residents and visitors in Volusia County should exercise caution and vigilance when residing in or visiting these areas.

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