Tampa, Florida, is widely known for its attractions, history, and culture. However, the city has a problem with violent and property crime that makes home security in Tampa essential. With a total crime index (TCI) of 18 — with 100 being the safest — 82% of U.S. cities are safer than Tampa, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which gleans information from multiple government sources. Tampa has some 400,000 residents. Here’s how the city’s crime picture compares to other municipalities of comparable size.
Violent Crime in Tampa
The chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime in Tampa is one in 217. Of the 8,537 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 1,855 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as as being one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
By contrast, Honolulu, Hawaii has some 341,000 residents and a TCI of 11. If you’re there, though, there’s a one in 500 chance you’ll experience violent crime. Of 9,341 total crimes that were tallied, 684 were listed as violent. Then there is Anaheim, California, with more than 340,000 residents and a total crime index of eight. The chances of being victimized by violent crime in Anaheim are one in 150. Of 10,707 crimes reported over 12 months, 2,263 were in the violent category.
In another California city, Stockton, 3,752 of 13,891 crimes were violent. The city of 319,000 residents has a total crime index of four and a one in 85 chance of victimization. But in Aurora, Colorado, a city with a crime index of three and a population of 395,000, your chances of falling victim to violent crime are one in 105 of 18,652 total crimes reported, 3,777 were violent.
Cincinnati, Ohio, with some 311,000 residents, is another city close in size to Tampa. It has a TCI of three and over a 12-month period, some 2,265 of 15,574 crimes were violent.
Property Crime in Tampa
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Tampa, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 217 — for a rate of 16.57 per 1,000 residents. Of 6,682 property crimes in Tampa, 783 were burglaries.
Compare Tampa’s data with that of Honolulu, where you have a one in 39 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 25.33 per 1,000 residents. The city reported 8,657 property crimes over 12 months. As for Anaheim’s property crime picture, you have a one in 40 chance of victimization. Of all crimes in Anaheim, 8,444 were in the property category.
Those residing in Stockton have a one in 32 chance of being victimized by property crime. Of 10,139 property crimes there, 2,034 were burglaries. In Aurora, meanwhile, there’s a one in 27 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 37.65 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 14,875 property crimes, 1,750 were burglaries. Similarly, there’s a one in 38 chance you’ll experience a property crime in Cincinnati, for a rate of 26.67 per 1,000 residents.
Tampa’s Police Department
As of 2025, the Tampa Police Department (TPD) has more than 1,000 officers, a number that has remained relatively stable over the past decade. The officers cover some 116 square miles.
Rather than precincts, the TPD is organized into three main districts that serve different areas of Tampa. Each district has its own specialized squads and units to address crimes and community needs:
- District One. 3818 W. Tampa Bay Boulevard. Covers the city’s peninsula, Davis Islands, and west side.
- District Two. 9330 N. 30th Street. Serves northern Tampa.
- District Three. 3808 N. 22nd Street. Covers east Tampa.
The police department’s headquarters is at 411 N. Franklin Street.
How to Stay Safe
Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Tampa area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.
With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.
In Summary
Compared to other cities with similar populations, incidences of property and violent crime are higher overall in Tampa. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock monitoring to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by professionals who work closely with first responders, every hour of the day.
