Boca Raton, FL Crime Rate Statistics and the Safest Areas

Stroll past the Mizner Park amphitheater on a sticky August night and you’ll see teens grabbing acai bowls, retirees walking poodles, and a few cruisers from Boca PD inching along Federal Highway.

Talk to folks at the outdoor tables and you’ll get every take imaginable on crime in Boca Raton: “It’s basically Mayberry,” says a paddle-board instructor. “Property crime spikes every holiday,” warns a valet. Who’s right?

The answer sits in the numbers, not the rumors. Below you’ll find all the information you need to decide if this South Florida city is safe enough for your next move.

Boca Raton, FL Crime Overview

Understanding Boca Raton’s Crime Rate

Boca Raton sees 22 reported incidents for every 1,000 residents—1.64 per 1,000 for violent crime and 19.88 per 1,000 for property crime. That means a 1 in 610 chance of violent crime and 1 in 50 for theft or burglary.

Compared to the national average of 4 violent and 19 property crimes per 1,000, Boca is safer in terms of violence, but slightly more vulnerable to thefts.

Comparative Analysis of Crime Rates in FL

Florida averages 2.90 violent crimes and 15.16 property crimes per 1,000. Boca falls below the violent average but above for property offenses. Tourist traffic inflates numbers slightly, but raw counts still show 2,151 total crimes—164 violent and 1,987 property.

Recent Trends in Boca Raton Crime Statistics

Citywide crime dropped about 5% over five years. Burglaries fell more than shoplifting, while catalytic converter thefts rose. Crime may drop again in 2025 if current initiatives stay funded.

Types of Crimes in the City of Boca Raton

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime makes up 93% of reports: 18.32 theft, 1.39 burglary, and 0.16 motor-vehicle theft per 1,000. That translates to 1,832 thefts, 139 break-ins, and 16 stolen cars in 2023.

High retail density drives these numbers—Town Center and other shopping areas show red on crime maps, while gated neighborhoods remain largely unaffected.

Violent Crime Rates in Boca Raton

There were zero homicides in 2023. Violent crimes consisted of 34 robberies and 103 assaults. Boca’s violent crime rate is well below the state average of 2.9 per 1,000.

Analysis of Crimes Per Square Mile

With 31 square miles, Boca sees 72 crimes per square mile—higher than the Florida average of 40. This is largely due to high-traffic corridors like I-95 and Federal Highway, not the quiet neighborhoods further west.

Safest Neighborhoods in Boca Raton

Saturnia

Located west of U.S. 441, Saturnia features two manned gates, off-duty deputies, license-plate cameras, and a private patrol SUV. Crime odds here are about 1 in 164—three times safer than the city average.

Boca Pointe

With 29 subdivisions and layered security, Boca Pointe is highly monitored. It includes private golf course patrols, gated entrances, and virtually no violent crime. Rated A for safety.

Boca Winds

Guarded entry and water-management canals serve as natural barriers. Crime reports last year included just three petty property incidents and zero violence.

Mission Bay

One main road serves this development, covered by roving guards and off-duty deputies. Fast response times and nearly no violent incidents earn it an A rating for safety.

Le Lac

This ultra-private enclave has manned gates, lake buffers, and extensive home security. Crime is practically nonexistent, with one historic car break-in still making rounds as gossip.

Factors Contributing to Safety in Boca Raton

High median income (~$99K) allows for security systems and visible law enforcement presence. Western Boca's layout supports patrolling, and many schools/colleges contribute extra security personnel.

FAU police assist city officers, and Boca High supports youth programs, maintaining safe conditions even during tourist-heavy periods.

Community Initiatives for Crime Prevention

Virtual Block Watch connects residents’ doorbell cams directly to police. Coffee with a Cop forums address crime spikes, and HOAs host massive real-time text alerts to flag suspicious activity.

One Boca Winds text thread has 486 members sharing license plates and suspicious behavior—grassroots prevention at its finest.

Conclusion: Crime Safety in Boca Raton

Summary of Crime Statistics

Violent crime: 1.64/1,000; property crime: 19.88/1,000; total crime: 22/1,000. Boca is far safer than Miami or Fort Lauderdale, but busier than sleepy Gulf towns. You’re more likely to be pickpocketed than attacked.

Future Projections for Boca Raton Crime Rates

CrimeGrade forecasts a 2–3% decrease by 2026 if enforcement efforts and economic conditions hold. However, westward growth may strain law enforcement capacity.

Final Thoughts on Safety in Boca Raton

Boca is safer than most neighboring cities. Violent crime is rare, property crime is concentrated, and prevention culture is strong. Stay alert, but rest assured—it’s one of Florida’s safer metros.

Boca Raton Safety FAQs

Is Boca Raton safer than Delray Beach or Pompano?

Yes. Boca ranks in the 83rd percentile for safety, compared to Delray’s 60th and Pompano’s 30th. Odds of violent crime in Boca are 1 in 610 versus 1 in 200 in Pompano.

What’s the real chance of being a victim of crime in Boca Raton?

Citywide risk is 1 in 46 annually. In gated communities, it drops to 1 in 164. Near shopping hubs like Town Center, it rises to 1 in 45.

Do Boca Raton crime maps show any areas to avoid?

Not exactly. Red zones cluster around retail areas, but residential streets nearby often show much lower crime levels.

Why do some reports list higher crime rates than others?

Data methodology differs. NeighborhoodScout focuses on resident-based reports; CrimeGrade includes visitor data and crime severity. More tourists can distort per-capita calculations.