What Are The 8 Safest Places To Live In Cape Coral, FL?

Paige Hanawalt
by Paige Hanawalt

Cape Coral, Florida is a stunning year-round vacation destination. There are over 400 miles of canals in this peninsula and it is bordered by the Caloosahatchee River and Matlacha Pass. It hosts numerous water sports and offers glistening views in its countless resorts and beaches. You may be surprised to learn that this paradise is also a safe area to both visit and live.

Crime in Cape Coral has decreased by over 20% in recent years. The safest cities in the Cape Coral area include Punta Rassa, Fort Myers Beach, McGregor, Matlacha Isles-Matlacha Shores, and Harlem Heights. These areas all have very low crime rates and even lower instances of violent crime. They are extremely safe places to live by both state and national standards, and are great choices for both visitors and home buyers.

These 8 cities are the safest places to live around Cape Coral, Florida, and all are less than 30 minutes away.

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8 Safest Places To Live in Cape Coral

Cape Coral is a relatively safe place to live. It has a low crime rate compared to state and national averages. There are 1,237 incidents per 100,000 people, over 90% of which are property crimes. And with a gradually decreasing crime rate, it is becoming even safer. The 8 neighborhoods listed here have the lowest crime rates in the general Cape Coral area, though many have high costs of living for home buyers.

1. Punta Rassa

  • Population: 1,890
  • Median Income: $54,628
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 354 (estimate)
  • Unemployment Rate: 0%

The #1 safest place to live around Cape Coral is Punta Rassa. Punta Rassa is 5.4 miles southwest of Cape Coral. It is surrounded by water and is home to beautiful waterfront resorts, restaurants, and outdoor activities.

The crime rate in Punta Rassa is less than a third of that of Cape Coral. There are only an estimated 53 violent crimes per 100,000 people, making it a very safe place to live.

The median household income in Punta Rassa is about the same as Cape Coral’s, and is slightly higher than the state MHI.

Cost of living in Punta Rassa is significantly more expensive than in Cape Coral. The median home value is $314,800 and the median rent price is $2,159.

2. Fort Myers Beach

  • Population: 6,801
  • Median Income: $59,416
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 821 (estimate)
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.4%

Fort Myers Beach is a thin stretch of beach, 7.7 miles south of Cape Coral. It, too, has several resorts and water activities for tourists to choose from.

With an estimated 821 incidents of crime per 100,000 people, Fort Myers Beach has a lower crime rate than Cape Coral City. You have a 1 in 122 chance of becoming a victim of a crime.

Fort Myers residents have a median household income of $59,416. This is higher than the Cape Coral, state, and national average household income.

It is expensive to buy a home in Fort Myers Beach. Real estate costs are $367,800, higher than the regional average. The cost to rent is slightly above average at $1.076 per month.

3. McGregor

  • Population: 7,755
  • Median Income: $62,700
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 983
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.7%

McGregor is located 2.3 miles east of Cape Coral, on the opposite side of the Caloosahatchee River. It is the third safest city in the area and is known for its abundant outdoor and water-based activities.

The crime rate in McGregor is estimated to be 983 incidents per 100,000 people, lower than Cape Coral. Less than 15% of these crimes are violent in nature, making it a very safe place to live.

The average income rate and unemployment rate in McGregor are attractive to potential residents, both exceeding regional and national averages.

The cost of living in McGregor is high for home buyers. The median home value is $167,400. The average monthly rental cost is $1,097, about average for the area.

4. Matlacha Isles-Matlacha Shores

  • Population: 309
  • Median Income: $52,941
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 1,020 (estimate)
  • Unemployment Rate: 0%

The fourth safest place to live in the Cape Coral area is Matlacha Isles-Matlacha Shores. This city has the lowest population on our list of safe places to stay. Though the furthest from Cape Coral on this list, it is still less than 30 minutes away.

Matlacha Isles-Matlacha Shores sees an estimated 153 violent crimes and 867 property-related crimes per 100,000 people. Overall, you have a 1 in 99 chance of becoming a victim of a crime.

The median household income in this city is average across all baselines. With its low population, the unemployment rate in the area is unclear.

Real estate costs in the area are high. Its average home value of $374,500 is more than double typical Florida home costs.

5. Harlem Heights

  • Population: 1,291
  • Median Income: $50,391
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 1,144 (estimate)
  • Unemployment Rate: 10.4%

Harlem Heights is a small city about 15 minutes away from Cape Coral and is the #5 safest place to live in the area. It has parks, public schools, and other community centers that make it a great location for families.

The crime rate in Harlem Heights is about 1%. This translates to a 1 in 88 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Like Cape Coral, the area is also becoming safer year by year.

The median household income is slightly below that of Cape Coral and the U.S average. Unemployment in Harlem Heights is notably high at 10.4%.

The cost of living in Harlem Heights is very low. The average home cost is only $79,200 and the average monthly rental cost is $847.

6. Whiskey Creek

  • Population: 5,011
  • Median Income: $74,268
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 1,293 (estimate)
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.2%

The city of Whiskey Creek is located on the eastern side of the Caloosahatchee River and is 3.8 miles from Cape Coral. It is in convenient proximity to shopping centers and hosts a number of great restaurants and outdoor activities.

Crime in Whiskey Creek is predominately property-related. There are an estimated 1,099 property crimes per 100,000. Comparatively, the violent crime rate is only 194 per 100,000 people.

The Whiskey Creek median household income is higher than average at $74,268. The unemployment rate in the area is also low.

The cost to buy a home in Whiskey Creek is $203,300 on average. Though high for the region, it is still one of the less expensive areas on this list.

7. Iona

  • Population: 14,287
  • Median Income: $53,119
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 1,440 (estimate)
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.6%

3.2 miles south of Cape Coral is Iona City. It is about a 15 minute drive from Cape Coral. There are a plethora of restaurants, hotels, and golf clubs. It is also a great shopping destination, with shopping centers like the Sanibel Outlets.

Your chance of becoming a victim of a crime in Iona is 1 in 70. It is safer than 54% of cities in the U.S, and has a violent crime rate that is below the Florida and U.S average.

The average income for families in Iona is par for the course in the Cape Coral region. Unemployment is also low.

The median home value in Iona is $200,000 and the median monthly rental cost is $1,129.

8. Lochmoor Waterway Estates

  • Population: 4,640
  • Median Income: $51,221
  • Crime Rate Per 100,000 People: 1,465 (estimate)
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.3%

Finally, the #8 safest place to live in the Cape Coral area is Lochmoor Waterway Estates. With water-lined streets, it is just over 6 miles north of Cape Coral. With fewer attractions, it is a good choice for those who prefer a quieter area.

The crime rate in Lochmoor Waterway Estates is 1,465, much lower than the state and national average. Less than 15% of those incidents are estimated to be violent in nature.

The median household income in Lochmoor Waterway Estates is average for the area and slightly below the U.S average.

Cost of living in Lochmoor Waterway Estates is slightly high for home buyers at an average $192,600 home value. The cost to rent, however, is slightly below average at $957.

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Our Conclusion

Crime in Cape Coral, Florida is low by state and national standards, and it is becoming safer every year. This bustling city is predominantly a tourist destination, but there are still some quiet places for families and for tourists who prefer a laid-back vacation. These 8 cities in the Cape Coral region are the safest places to be, and still host a variety of activities that make for either an exciting visit or engaging hometown.

Paige Hanawalt
Paige Hanawalt

Paige is an elementary school librarian with a passion for writing. Her hobbies include reading an exorbitant amount of fantasy, slowly teaching herself to draw, and home decor. While she isn't the most talented artist or interior designer, what she lacks in skill she more than makes up for in enthusiasm. When she's not curled up with a book, you can certainly find her curled over the keyboard.

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