Is Brandon, FL Safe?: Brandon’s Safety and Crime

Brandon is probably popping up on your Florida house hunt, and it actually makes sense. The prices in Brandon won’t make you cry; there are pretty great schools, and you’re close enough to Tampa, actually, to do stuff. However, before you start packing boxes, let’s discuss whether you’ll feel safe living there.

Safety isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about feeling comfortable grabbing takeout at 9 PM or not freaking out when your teenager wants to hang out at the mall. This guide details what safety actually looks like in Brandon, so let’s get started!

Is Brandon, FL, Safe?

Brandon receives a B+ safety rating from CrimeGrades and ranks in the 73rd percentile nationwide, which means it surpasses most of Florida and the rest of the country in safety.

The overall crime rate is 2,559 per 100,000 people. That’s about 19% higher than Florida’s average and 9% above the national rate; however, please bear with us here, as context matters a great deal.

Most of that crime happens in specific pockets, mainly around bars and nightlife areas or neighborhoods dealing with poverty. The residential streets where families actually set up shop are significantly calmer than these overall numbers suggest.

Your actual odds of dealing with violent crime are 1 in 594, and property crime sits at 1 in 96. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office keeps things covered with over 2,000 officers, as well as neighborhood watch programs that residents actually utilize. Crime has been trending down because of it.

Brandon Crime Rates

Brandon‘s crime situation can be categorized into different areas. This will help you see the whole picture instead of just panicking at headlines.

Crime Rates Compared to State and National Averages

Brandon‘s overall crime rate is 2,559 per 100,000 residents, which is 19% higher than Florida’s state average and 9% above the national average.

That sounds scary until you realize that Florida’s state average includes tiny retirement towns with basically zero crime and huge metro areas with way more problems than Brandon.

The national comparison is similar. You’re stacking Brandon up against everything from rural Montana towns to downtown Chicago. Brandon falls somewhere in the middle and leans toward the safer side, considering it’s part of the Tampa metro area.

Most suburbs near major cities tend to have higher rates than the national average, primarily due to higher population density and increased economic activity.

Violent Crime Statistics in Brandon

Violent crime in Brandon occurs in approximately 456 incidents per 100,000 people, which is about 18% higher than the national average. That includes assault, robbery, rape, and murder. This essentially involves any action that causes direct harm to a person.

Your actual risk of becoming a violent crime victim in Brandon is 1 in 594, which breaks down to about a 0.17% chance in any given year. Most violent crimes happen between people who know each other—these domestic situations, arguments that escalate, stuff like that.

Random violent crime against strangers is pretty rare here, especially in the residential neighborhoods where most people live and raise families.

Property Crime Rates in the Area

Property crime accounts for the bulk of Brandon‘s crime statistics, with 2,102 incidents per 100,000 people. It is 7% higher than the national average. This category encompasses burglary, theft, and car break-ins, as well as any incidents where someone interferes with your belongings without directly threatening you.

Your odds of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 96, which is higher than the odds of being a victim of violent crime but still relatively low. Most property crimes occur in commercial areas, apartment complexes near major roads, and neighborhoods without effective community watch programs.

The good news is that property crime is way more preventable than violent crime. In fact, better locks, security cameras, motion-sensor lights, and active neighbors make a huge difference.

Worried about rising property crime in Brandon? Whether you’re concerned about theft, break-ins, or just want peace of mind, Revival Homebuyer can help you move forward with confidence. If you want to sell your home fast in Brandon, without repairs and without stress, we make it simple. We buy houses in any condition and offer fair cash deals so you can avoid the hassle and uncertainty.

Brandon Crime Trends Over Time

Brandon‘s crime situation has been on a downward trend for the past several years, which is precisely what you want to see when considering a move.

The community experienced its peak crime rates in the early 2010s, when rapid population growth put a strain on local resources, and law enforcement struggled to keep up with the expansion.

Since then, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has strengthened its presence in Brandon with the addition of patrol units, advanced technology, and community programs that have proven effective.

Crime Stoppers tips have led to dozens of arrests, and neighborhood watch groups have expanded into more subdivisions. Businesses started participating in security initiatives that share surveillance footage and suspicious activity reports.

All of this adds up to fewer opportunities for criminals and faster response times when stuff does happen. Violent crime has decreased more significantly than property crime, but both categories have shown consistent improvement year over year.

The trend suggests that Brandon is getting safer, not more dangerous. This matters greatly when considering long-term plans, such as raising children or retiring to a new location.

Brandon Crime Map

Crime doesn’t just randomly scatter across Brandon like confetti. It tends to congregate in specific spots based on what’s happening there. Here’s a detailed Brandon crime map, so your house hunting would be way less stressful.

High-Crime Areas in Brandon

The busiest commercial stretches see most of the action. This is especially true along State Road 60 and around the Westfield Brandon Mall, where you’ll find late-night restaurants, numerous parking lots, and nearby highways for quick exits.

These areas are more prone to property crime simply because there’s more opportunity. The crowded parking lots mean more cars to break into, and busy shopping centers mean more foot traffic and distractions.

Some of the older apartment complexes along Brandon Boulevard also appear more frequently on crime maps, often those without gates or updated security systems. The eastern edge of Brandon, near Tampa, tends to be busier as well, since it catches some overflow from the city.

But honestly, none of this means you can’t safely grab dinner or go shopping. It just means you need to lock your car and don’t leave your laptop sitting on the passenger seat.

Low-Crime Areas in Brandon

Brandon becomes noticeably quieter as you head into the residential neighborhoods, away from the main roads. Subdivisions with active HOAs and people who actually know their neighbors report way less crime because there are just more eyes on things.

Newer developments tend to be safer since they’re designed with better lighting and security features built in from the start. Neighborhoods near the good schools are usually calmer, too. Families with kids are naturally more invested in keeping things locked down.

Even without gates, communities where people wave at each other and notice unfamiliar cars do really well. The farther south and east you go from the commercial hubs, the more residential and peaceful it gets. This is precisely what most people moving to Brandon are actually after.

The Safest Areas in Brandon, FL

Let’s explore the neighborhoods with low crime statistics and a genuinely chill vibe. These spots consistently come up as the safest places in Brandon, and people who live there will tell you the same thing the data shows.

Lumsden Pointe / Lithia Oaks

Lumsden Pointe and Lithia Oaks sit on Brandon‘s eastern edge, where things spread out and feel more residential, which automatically reduces random crime.

These neighborhoods have some of the lowest crime rates in Hillsborough County because they are not typically associated with trouble. You’re either going there on purpose to visit someone, or you don’t end up there at all.

The homes are newer, with good street lighting, and neighbors actually engage in conversation with each other. That combination keeps things super safe.

You still get all the Brandon conveniences, but with way more peace than you’d find closer to the commercial areas.

Bloomingdale

Bloomingdale basically wrote the book on safe suburban living in Brandon. This vast planned community has been around long enough to develop a genuine neighborhood culture, and people here genuinely care about maintaining its beauty.

The HOA is active without being annoying, and the neighborhood watch program actually functions. Families who’ve lived here for years create that accountability vibe where sketchy stuff just doesn’t fly.

Crime stays consistently low, partly because the layout makes it obvious when someone doesn’t belong here. You can’t just cruise through Bloomingdale by accident.

Additionally, with schools, parks, and shopping all within the community, most people rarely need to leave for daily errands. This builds even stronger neighbor connections.

The Willows / Lakemont

The Willows and Lakemont fly under the radar, as these quiet residential pockets are devoid of commercial traffic. These neighborhoods attract individuals seeking genuine peace, including families, professionals, and those tired of noise and chaos.

That means you get residents who maintain their properties, notice when something seems off, and actually care about the community vibe.

The streets here are well-lit, and most homes are equipped with security systems. People still do the old-school thing of waving at neighbors. The crime statistics in this area are significantly lower than Brandon‘s average, and most incidents are minor, such as package thefts occurring every few months.

Kids still play outside here without constant supervision, which tells you everything about how safe it actually feels.

Hickory Lakes

Hickory Lakes features a natural security setup, with its retention ponds and lakes creating semi-private pockets throughout the neighborhood.

There aren’t many ways in and out, so random criminals don’t just wander through here looking for opportunities.

People take pride in the appearance of their homes, and the HOA ensures that common areas are well-maintained. The residents know who belongs here versus who’s just passing through.

Crime barely registers on the radar, and when something does happen, neighbors are quick to spread the word and look out for one another. Being close to good schools also helps, as families with children often push harder to keep neighborhoods safe and clean.

Sterling Ranch

Sterling Ranch offers waterfront living without compromising safety, a rare find indeed. The neighborhood features numerous lakes and ponds, with many homes backing up to the water, creating natural barriers that limit random access.

It sits right off I-75 for easy commuting, but the internal layout keeps through-traffic completely out of the residential streets. The community remains active, and the HOA ensures that the property is well-maintained. There’s even a bird sanctuary that shows you people here actually give a damn about their environment.

The crime rates stay low, and the residents have been here long enough to spot anything unusual. The whole vibe manages to be family-friendly without feeling boring or overly suburban.

Brentwood Hills

Kids still ride bikes around the Brentwood Hills neighborhood, and parents don’t lose their minds about it. The entire area is situated back from major roads intentionally, so you never encounter random traffic or people cutting through to bypass a stoplight.

Families dominate here. And when you’ve got that many kids running around, parents naturally form these informal watch networks where everyone keeps tabs on what’s happening.

Crime rates are extremely low, nearby schools are excellent, and the overall vibe is relaxed and safe, without any pretension. It’s not trying to be fancy or exclusive. It’s just old-school suburban living done the right way.

Providence Lakes

Providence Lakes is one of the newer developments that got built with modern security thinking baked in from day one. The neighborhood layout features proper street lighting and open sightlines, making lurking essentially impossible. The community is still in that honeymoon phase where everyone’s excited and invested in keeping things pristine.

Crime statistics are minimal, mainly because there’s little opportunity for it. Homes have updated security features, neighbors notice unfamiliar cars immediately, and the HOA stays proactive about maintaining anything that could otherwise create problems.

You’re close to shopping and restaurants but buffered enough that commercial traffic stays entirely separate from residential streets.

Kings Court

Kings Court is smaller and quieter than many of Brandon‘s other safe neighborhoods. This is precisely why retirees and empty-nesters flock here.

The community is situated close to medical facilities and shopping, yet tucked into a residential pocket that remains peaceful day and night. Crime is basically nonexistent because there’s nothing here to attract it—no bars, no late-night businesses, just people living their lives and looking out for each other.

The smaller size means everyone kind of knows everyone, or at least recognizes who belongs in the neighborhood and who doesn’t. It’s safe, convenient, and completely drama-free. It hits all the marks for those who want a simple, stress-free living experience.

Safety Considerations for Different Groups

Safety means different things depending on where you are in life, and Brandon effectively addresses the various needs of other demographics. Let’s examine how safe Brandon actually is for the groups most likely to consider relocating here.

Is Brandon Safe for Families?

Brandon is legit one of the better Tampa area suburbs for families concerned about safety, and the numbers back that up in the neighborhoods where families actually live.

The crime statistics that appear higher for Brandon overall drop significantly when focusing on family-oriented subdivisions, such as Bloomingdale, Brentwood Hills, and Sterling Ranch. Kids still ride bikes around neighborhoods here, play at parks without constant adult supervision, and walk to friends’ houses. This tells you a great deal more about actual safety than any statistic ever could.

School zones get extra patrol attention from the sheriff’s office, and parents stay involved through PTAs and youth sports. Their neighborhood watch programs actually function because families want to protect their investment in the community.

Is Brandon Safe for Retirees?

Retirees do particularly well in Brandon from a safety perspective, especially in quieter neighborhoods like Kings Court and parts of Bloomingdale, which older residents often populate.

The crime that does occur in Brandon tends to skew toward property crimes in commercial areas and domestic situations involving people who know each other. This means retirees living their everyday lives face minimal risk.

Medical facilities are conveniently located nearby, including HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. Additionally, the sheriff’s office offers scam awareness workshops specifically designed for seniors. Neighborhoods with higher retiree populations tend to be quieter and have better maintenance because residents are home to care for their properties and notice when something seems amiss.

Is Brandon Safe for Young Professionals?

Young professionals moving to Brandon typically prioritize avoiding car break-ins and feeling secure in apartment complexes. The apartment complexes in Brandon differ in terms of safety.

Newer buildings with gated access, security cameras, and good lighting are a significant advantage. However, older complexes along busy roads can be sketchy with higher property crime rates.

You need to research specific buildings and check crime maps for that exact address. Being two blocks away from a safe area versus a problem area makes a massive difference.

Young professionals who can afford to buy or rent in the safer subdivisions enjoy all the benefits of Brandon‘s low crime rates without any of the problems associated with the commercial areas. Additionally, easy commuting to Tampa means you can access urban job opportunities without living in an environment with high urban crime rates.

Practical Safety Tips for Brandon, FL Residents

Here are some tips to safely live in Brandon if you’re planning to move here:

• Lock your car every time. Most property crimes are opportunistic in nature. Please don’t leave anything visible inside, not even a phone charger, because that’s all it takes for someone to smash a window.
• Know your neighbors. Neighbors who actually talk to each other notice when something seems off and aren’t afraid to call the cops if they see someone lurking around.
• Join neighborhood social media groups. Nextdoor and local Facebook groups often post about suspicious activity, break-ins, and scams well before they appear in official news.
• Install security cameras or video doorbells. These are highly effective at deterring package thieves and providing evidence if something does happen.
• Keep landscaping trimmed. Bushes and trees near windows and doors provide criminals with hiding places while they attempt to break in.
• Don’t advertise vacations in real time. Wait until you’re back home to share beach pics because criminals literally monitor social media to find empty houses.
• Trust your gut. If something or someone feels off, it probably is. There’s zero shame in calling the sheriff’s office to check it out.

Key Takeaways: Is Brandon, FL Safe?

Brandon has a solid B+ safety rating and ranks safer than 73% of U.S. cities. This makes it a legit option if you’re looking for suburban Tampa living without major crime concerns. Your odds of dealing with violent crime are 1 in 594, and property crime are 1 in 96. These are both pretty reasonable for a suburb this close to a major city.

If you’re considering selling your Brandon home and want a quick, hassle-free process, Revival Homebuyer can assist you. We buy houses in Tampa, Brandon, and throughout Florida, in any condition, and offer fair cash offers. We handle all the details and make the process seamless. Contact us at (813) 548-3674 to discuss your options.