The 5 Worst Neighborhoods in Orange County, Florida

Orange County, situated in Central Florida, is a large and diverse county, home to over 1.4 million residents across 13 cities and towns.

While some areas within the county are renowned for their safety, prosperity, and quality of life, others grapple with issues like crime, poverty, and social problems. In this article, we’ll explore the five most problematic neighborhoods in Orange County, as determined by crime data from SpotCrime, which offers insights into neighborhood-level crime incidents. A higher number of crimes per 1,000 residents signifies a more perilous neighborhood.

5. Malibu Groves

Malibu Groves is a neighborhood located in the southwest part of Orange County, close to the border with Osceola County. It predominantly comprises a black community, with around 85% of its residents identifying as black. Malibu Groves has a crime rate of 85.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the national average.

This neighborhood experiences a heightened occurrence of property crimes like burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, along with violent crimes including robbery and assault. The most concerning areas within Malibu Groves are situated along South Orange Blossom Trail and West Oak Ridge Road.

4. Mercy Drive

Mercy Drive is a neighborhood situated in the northwest part of Orange County, near the Seminole County border. It is a low-income area plagued by high crime rates and characterized by numerous abandoned buildings and vacant lots.

According to SpotCrime, Mercy Drive reports a crime rate of 110.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, again exceeding the national average by more than double. This neighborhood witnesses a substantial number of violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, in addition to property crimes like burglary, theft, and arson. The most precarious zones within Mercy Drive are found along North Mercy Drive and West Princeton Street.

3. Roosevelt Park

Roosevelt Park is a neighborhood located in the northeast part of Orange County, bordering Seminole County. Despite its small size, this densely populated area is home to approximately 6,600 residents in less than one square mile.

Roosevelt Park reports a crime rate of 120.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, again surpassing the national average by more than double. The neighborhood grapples with a high incidence of property crimes such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, as well as violent crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and assault. The most perilous areas within Roosevelt Park are situated along East Colonial Drive and North Goldenrod Road.

2. Washington Shores

Washington Shores is a neighborhood in the western part of Orange County, near the Lake County border. Historically, it has been a predominantly black community, with approximately 90% of its population identifying as black.

Washington Shores has a crime rate of 123.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, again exceeding the national average by more than double. This neighborhood experiences a high occurrence of violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, along with property crimes like burglary, theft, and arson. The most precarious zones within Washington Shores are found along West Colonial Drive and South John Young Parkway.

1. Lake Mann Gardens

Lake Mann Gardens is a neighborhood located in the western part of Orange County, bordering Lake County. It is a low-income area marked by a significant number of public housing projects and run-down apartments. SpotCrime reports a crime rate of 133.8 incidents per 1,000 residents for Lake Mann Gardens, again surpassing the national average by more than double.

This neighborhood grapples with a high incidence of violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, along with property crimes like burglary, theft, and arson. The most perilous areas within Lake Mann Gardens are situated along West Gore Street and South Rio Grande Avenue.

Conclusion

Orange County is a diverse and vibrant region, offering numerous attractions and opportunities for both residents and visitors. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that not all areas within the county enjoy the same level of safety and well-being. Some neighborhoods face more significant challenges, including crime, poverty, and social issues.

These communities require increased attention and investment from local and state governments, as well as from private and nonprofit sectors, to enhance their security and living conditions. By addressing these challenges, Orange County can strive to become a more equitable and inclusive place for all its residents.