Volusia County, located in eastern central Florida, is home to 553,543 people as of the 2020 census. It’s part of the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metropolitan area and encompasses a mix of urban, suburban, and rural regions.
However, not all parts of Volusia County are equally safe or desirable to live in. Based on crime data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and neighborhood ratings from CrimeGrade.org, here are the 5 least safe neighborhoods in Volusia County, Florida.
5. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, with a population of 69,186 as of 2020, has a high violent crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 48.8 per 1,000 residents. Both rates are above the county averages of 3.7 and 22.6, respectively.
Daytona Beach also received a low overall crime grade of C- from CrimeGrade.org, indicating it’s one of the more dangerous places in Volusia County. Despite being known for its beaches, motorsports, and spring break events, Daytona Beach faces challenges like poverty, homelessness, and drug abuse.
4. Holly Hill
Holly Hill, home to 12,253 residents as of 2020, has a violent crime rate of 12.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 51.9 per 1,000 residents. Both rates surpass the county averages. Holly Hill also received a low overall crime grade of C- from CrimeGrade.org, indicating it’s one of the riskier areas in Volusia County.
Located along the Halifax River, Holly Hill offers some parks and recreational facilities but struggles with unemployment, vandalism, and theft.
3. Pierson
Pierson, a town with 1,752 residents as of 2020, has a violent crime rate of 14.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 57.6 per 1,000 residents, both higher than the county averages. Pierson received an alarming overall crime grade of F from CrimeGrade.org, making it the most dangerous place in Volusia County.
Situated in the northwest corner of the county, Pierson 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
DeLand, a city and the county seat of Volusia County, is home to 34,422 residents as of 2020. DeLand has a violent crime rate of 14.8 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 60 per 1,000 residents, both exceeding county averages.
DeLand received a very low overall crime grade of F from CrimeGrade.org, designating it as the most dangerous place in Volusia County. While DeLand boasts a historic downtown area and cultural attractions, it also faces issues such as domestic violence, burglary, and robbery.
1. South Daytona
South Daytona, with a population of 13,177 as of 2020, has 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.
South Daytona received a very low overall crime grade of F from CrimeGrade.org, marking it as the most perilous place in Volusia County. Positioned south of Daytona Beach along the Atlantic Ocean, South Daytona has waterfront properties and businesses but is marred by high unemployment, drug trafficking, and assaults.
Conclusion
Volusia County, offering various attractions and amenities, also has areas plagued by crime and poverty. Based on data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and CrimeGrade.org, the 5 most unsafe neighborhoods in Volusia County are South Daytona, DeLand, Pierson, Holly Hill, and Daytona Beach.
These neighborhoods grapple with high crime rates, low overall safety grades, and various social and economic challenges. Residents and visitors in Volusia County should exercise caution and vigilance when residing in or visiting these areas.