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Are you wondering if Winter Haven FL is a safe destination to visit? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, I’m going to cover all the most important statistics and safety information on this central Florida City.

Winter Haven is known for being home to Legoland and many popular fishing spots, nature trails, and gardens.

The city also features a tiny downtown area with walkable streets, charming buildings, and a plethora of shops and restaurants.

Despite all that, it still exudes attractive small-town vibes.

Hiking and cycling enthusiasts, lego aficionados, and anyone who loves relaxing by the water might want to make Winter Haven their next travel destination.

But is Winter Haven safe? Let’s take a closer look at this question.

Is Winter Haven FL Safe For Visitors?

It’s difficult to find definitive information about how safe Winter Haven is for visitors.

Most information is tailored to the safety of residents. This can still give us good information, though.

According to Dwellics Analytics, Winter Haven earns a score of 56.5 out of 100 for safety (with 100 being the best).

Neighborhood Scout reports that Winter Haven sees 189 violent crimes and 941 property crimes annually.

There are areas of Winter Haven that see more crimes than others, as with any US city (or any city across the globe).

So what’s the takeaway? Although Winter Haven FL does have higher crime rates on average than the rest of Florida, that doesn’t mean you should nix it from your travel list.

Another thing that should put visitors at ease is that The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has a great relationship with the community.

Their Facebook newsfeed features light-toned stories about their work on the streets.

It’s interesting to note that only 10 years ago, Winter Haven’s downtown was a ghost town. Thanks to local investors, the city has seen an explosion of growth.

This has led to a revitalized downtown, created more community events, and led to more restaurant and entertainment options.

Is Winter Haven FL Safe For Families?

According to Area Vibes, 56% of Winter Haven residents consider the city family-friendly.

They report a sense of community, friendly neighbors, and lots of parks and quiet areas.

Although Winter Haven has higher incidences of violent crime and property crime compared to other cities in Florida and the United States, the truth is that there is crime everywhere.

The key for families visiting Winter Haven is to choose highly-rated accommodations and spend time enjoying the tourist attractions.

Legoland Is The Biggest Draw For Families

Another reason to visit is that Winter Haven is home to Legoland Florida, making it a favorite destination for families with little ones.

The resort is only a 45-minute drive from Tampa and Orlando and features 50 rides, tons of statues and attractions, lego characters, and more.

There is a Brickbeard Waterspor stunt show, opportunities to earn a Legoland driver’s license, and a roller coaster that soars above a Lego dinosaur jungle.

Is Winter Haven FL Safe For Solo Travelers?

Although I couldn’t find any information specifically tailored to solo travelers in Winter Haven, I think it is possible to travel safely to this city.

Solo travelers will want to take extra precautions when choosing accommodations. For example, book your stay in a highly-rated hotel where there are certain to be other guests.

Joining a Winter Haven tour will also be safer and more fun than doing things solo.

Pontoon lake tours, pub crawls by boat, guided food tours, waterskiing, wakeboarding, or wake surfing lessons are some of the fun tours you can book.

Is Winter Haven FL Safe At Night?

According to Area Vibes, 67% of Winter Haven residents feel safe at night.

Of course, it is always important to use your common sense. Avoid high-crime neighborhoods, and steer clear of risky behaviors and activities.

Read the sections below on the safest and most dangerous areas in Winter Haven.

Although not specific to Winter Haven, the 2022 OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book reports that 30% of crimes by adults occur between 5 pm and 11 pm, while over 37% of crimes committed by teens occur between noon and 5 pm. 

What Part Of Winter Haven FL Is The Most Dangerous?

According to Neighborhood Scout, the following Winter Haven FL neighborhoods have higher crime levels than the rest of the city.

• College/Downtown Winter Haven

• Historic Downtown/Winter Shores

• Florence Villa

• Florence Villa West

• Lake Howard

• Cypress Landing/LegoLand

• Lucerne Park

• Inwood

• Inwood West

• Tranquility Park

• Kenilworth Park

• East College

Crime Grade also reports that downtown tends to see more crime than the rest of Winter Haven, a trend that is probably fairly common across US cities.

Is Winter Haven’s Crime Rate High?

Winter Haven’s crime rates are higher on average than most of Florida.

Crime Grade rates Winter Haven with a “C.” This means that the rate of violent crime is higher than the average for US cities.

It is also in the 43rd percentile for safety, meaning that 57% of cities are safer than Winter Haven.

Crime Grade indicates that your chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Winter Haven can vary dramatically depending on the neighborhood.

Those living in the central neighborhoods can have up to 1 in 254 chance of becoming a victim while those living in the eastern neighborhoods can have as low a chance as 1 in 511.

Check the Crime Grade crime map for more detailed information.

You can also check out Winter Haven police department crime statistics. 

Winter Haven FL Safety Tips

Are you wondering how to stay safe in Winter Haven Fl? Follow these general safety tips to keep you and your family safe, healthy, and having a wonderful time during your visit.

Crime Prevention Safety Tips

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Situational awareness tops most personal safety lists, and for good reasons. Staying aware will help you pick up on risky situations and give you time to distance yourself from a potentially bad situation.

2. Choose Secure Accommodations

Since property crime is a big issue in Winter Haven FL, you’ll want to choose lodging in a safe area that is well-lit and has security.

3. Keep Valuables Out of Sight

Leave any unnecessary valuables at home or in your hotel safe. Avoid using expensive jewelry, watches, and electronics. Avoid leaving valuables in your car.

5. Enjoy Activities in Well-Lit Populated Areas

Explore Winter Haven’s well-lit and populated areas, especially if you are out at night. Don’t take isolated pathways or dark alleys. If possible, avoid going out alone.

6. Drink Responsibly

Avoid overindulging in alcohol as it will make you more vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime. Don’t accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended. 

7. Stay Connected

If you are a solo traveler, tell someone you trust what your plans are, your itinerary, and approximately when you expect to return. Check-in with them regularly.

8. Travel Insurance

Consider getting travel insurance that covers theft or loss of personal belongings. Just be sure you read through the policy to familiarize yourself with coverage and claim procedures ahead of time.

9. Stay Updated on Local News

Staying informed about recent crimes and safety alerts in Winter Haven can help you keep yourself and your family safe.

Environmental Safety Tips For Winter Haven FL

1. Sun Protection

Protect yourself from harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Light, breathable clothing will keep you cooler and more comfortable during hot days. 

2. Stay Hydrated

Since the weather in Winter Haven Florida can get pretty hot and humid, it’s important to drink lots of hydrating fluids to prevent dehydration.

3. Mosquito Prevention

Protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses by wearing bug spray and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dusk and dawn. Avoid stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

4. Water Safety

Since Winter Haven is home to a ton of lakes, water activities are a big reason to visit. Follow posted signs, be careful of boats, and consider wearing a life jacket.

Is Winter Haven Safer Than Kissimmee Florida?

By comparing ratings from Crime Grade, we can see that Kissimmee gets a D rating, while Winter Haven gets a C or C- rating.

By this, we can determine that Winter Haven is generally safer than Kissimmee.

For example, in Kissimmee, the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime can be as high as 1 in 234, while in Winter Haven your chances can be as high as 1 in 254.

Naturally, the neighborhoods you stay in, what kind of security system your lodging has, and what kinds of activities you’re involved in will make a big difference in how likely you are to fall victim to crime in either city.

Is It Safer Than Clermont?

Winter Haven is considered less safe than Clermont according to Crime Grade ratings. Clermont is awarded an overall A rating for safety, while Winter Haven has a C rating.

The two cities have similar ratings for violent crime, but property crime and other crimes are much less in Clermont than in Winter Haven.

Keep in mind that there are safer and more risky areas in both cities.

Conclusion: Is Winter Haven FL Safe?

Safety is a complex issue and there’s no way to give a definitive answer to the question “Is Winter Haven safe?” 

The truth is that nowhere is 100% safe, and that includes our hometowns.

Winter Haven has a higher crime rate on average than other areas in Florida, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great and safe time if you visit.

The fact that there isn’t much information available about tourist safety in Winter Haven suggests it’s a safe place to spend a vacation.

Legoland, top-notch fishing lakes, and a revitalized downtown all make Winter Haven a destination worth considering.