Understanding Crime Rates in Highlands County, FL: What Home Buyers Should Know

Crime Rate Questions Are Common — Especially for Movers

If you're thinking about moving to Highlands County, Florida — Sebring, Avon Park, or Lake Placid — it’s completely normal to ask about crime rates. In fact, “Is this a safe area?” is one of the most common questions buyers have when exploring new neighborhoods.

While I’m not a law enforcement professional, I help buyers and sellers every day, and I can guide you toward trusted tools to make informed decisions.

Where to Find Crime Data for Highlands County

Here are reliable sources to research neighborhood safety:

• Highlands County Sheriff’s Office – Offers crime reports, updates, and community alerts.

• City Police Departments – Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid often publish public incident logs.

• Online Crime Maps – Websites like CrimeMapping.com, FamilyWatchdog.us, or NeighborhoodScout compile reported incidents.

• Community Facebook Pages & HOA Groups – Local insight can reveal trends not shown in statistics.

What to Keep in Mind

• Crime varies by neighborhood, just like anywhere else. One street may feel different from the next.

• Statistics don’t always show context. For example, higher reporting can simply mean stronger community policing.

• Visit in person. Drive the area at different times of day — morning, evening, weekend — to get your own feel.

Safety Factors Beyond Crime Stats

Many of my clients also consider:

• Street lighting & sidewalks

• Community engagement (active HOAs, neighborhood watches)

• Proximity to schools, parks, and fire stations

• Condition of surrounding properties

How I Support My Clients

While I cannot interpret crime data or advise on safety, I:
✅ Connect buyers with local resources
✅ Provide links to crime mapping tools
✅ Encourage neighborhood visits and conversations with locals
✅ Help you evaluate property conditions, home value trends, and resale potential

Final Thought

Highlands County has a mix of peaceful lake communities, golf developments, active 55+ neighborhoods, and rural pockets — and each one feels different. Doing your homework is key, but you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re exploring a move to Highlands County and want guidance on where to start:

📞 Call or text me, Matt Nelson, Broker — Keller Williams Highlands County — at 863-260-8436.
I’ll help you navigate the process with clarity and local knowledge.