Buyers looking at Seminole County ask about crime in Longwood, FL more often than almost anything else. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the town's population at 16,892 as of mid-2025, up from 15,087 in the 2020 census - steady growth that's brought more eyeballs to local safety data. When weighing the pros and cons of living in Longwood, FL, understand what the numbers say before you make an offer.
The current market reflects that sustained interest. The median sale price for homes in Longwood sits at approximately $380,000, with properties spending around 32 days on the market. That context matters: this is a market where people are committing real money, and crime data, emergency services, and environmental factors all belong in the due-diligence conversation.
Town-Level Safety Data
CrimeGrade gives Longwood an overall Crime Grade of B+, based on an overall crime rate of 17.58 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. That puts Longwood as having fewer crimes than 72% of U.S. cities, according to the platform.
One grade doesn't tell the whole story, though. You get a better read by comparing Longwood's figures against state and national benchmarks - which is exactly what the data allows you to do.
How Longwood Compares to State and National Averages
On the state side, CrimeGrade's data shows Longwood's overall crime rate of 17.58 per 1,000 residents runs higher than the Florida state average. The platform notes the higher rate without providing an exact statewide per-1,000 figure in its report.
Nationally, Longwood fares better. CrimeGrade indicates the town remains safer than the national average, and OpenCrime.us puts the national violent crime average at 359.1 per 100,000 residents - well above Longwood's local rate.
Crime Grades and Indexes
Breaking the overall number into categories shows you where the risk lives. Property offenses make up the vast majority of local reports; violent incidents are comparatively low. That distinction matters a lot for how you think about daily life here.
Crime tracking platforms calculate these figures from multi-year reporting averages, so a snapshot can be misleading. Look at both the current per-capita rates and the direction they're moving. The trend line tells you as much as the number itself.
Local Crime Rates and Trends
Longwood's violent crime rate is 2.128 per 1,000 residents in a typical year - a B+ from CrimeGrade. That breaks down to 1.560 for assault, 0.2842 for rape, 0.2589 for robbery, and 0.0247 for murder per 1,000 residents.
Property crime earns a C+ from the same platform. Theft runs at 9.884 per 1,000 residents; burglary sits at 1.334 per 1,000 in a typical year.
Recent Multi-Year Trends
OpenCrime.us describes Longwood's recent trajectory as volatile, based on four years of historical data. Property crime fell roughly 32% year-over-year, dropping to 1,364.3 incidents per 100,000 residents - a meaningful improvement.
At the same time, violent crime rose 22.3% year-over-year, bringing the local rate to 242.8 per 100,000 residents. That increase is worth watching, even though the figure still sits below the national average of 359.1.
Police and Emergency Services
Longwood maintains its own dedicated law enforcement presence rather than leaning entirely on county resources. That distinction matters - it means officers are focused specifically on the city's jurisdiction, not splitting attention across a broader county footprint.
For roughly 16,900 residents, having a department operating centrally within the city limits can affect how quickly help arrives. It's a factor buyers in this market do consider.
Department Coverage and Staffing
The Longwood Police Department operates out of headquarters at 235 W Church Avenue, led by Police Chief David Dowda. The agency has held state accreditation since 2002.
The department employs 50 law enforcement officers and support staff and provides 24-hour coverage.
Environmental Risks and Natural Hazards
Crime statistics are one piece of the safety picture in Central Florida. Water quality and weather-related hazards are another - and in this part of the state, they're worth taking seriously before you buy.
Longwood's proximity to regional waterways and its elevation profile create a specific set of environmental considerations. State and independent agencies track these risks, and reviewing their findings sets realistic expectations for what property ownership here involves.
Wekiva River Water Conditions
The Wekiva River carries an Outstanding Florida Water designation, but it also carries an Impaired status and a 2021 Fish Consumption Advisory. Those two things coexist.
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has issued blue-green algae cautions for the connected Little Wekiva River as well. An advisory in April 2025 warned against swimming, wading, or contacting visible blooms due to potential toxins.
Flooding and Wildfire Concerns
First Street Foundation rates Longwood's overall flood risk as Minor, estimating that about 7.2% of properties face flooding potential over a 30-year period. Longwood sits in FEMA Zone X - outside the 100-year floodplain - but Augurisk assigns the town a 60% flood risk score based on storm and elevation factors. Zone X isn't zero risk; it just means the risk lives in the 500-year event range rather than the 100-year.
Wildfire exposure is comparatively low. Augurisk gives Longwood a 22% wildfire risk score. That said, individual property disclosures on past environmental damage are still worth reviewing regardless of town-level scores.
Quality of Life Details
Safety data tells you what the numbers say. But buyers also want to know what Longwood feels like day to day. It functions as a residential suburb within the broader Orlando metro, and the housing market reflects a range of timelines and budgets.
Location relative to employment centers and the local cost of housing are usually the two things that drive the final decision for buyers coming into Seminole County. The current market gives you data points on both.
Commuting and Accessibility
Longwood's central location puts residents within reach of major employment centers across Central Florida. Surrounding cities and regional hubs are accessible from here, though commute times depend on which direction you're heading and at what hour.
Drive your expected routes during rush hour before you commit. The town's layout - residential neighborhoods built around commercial corridors - keeps everyday conveniences close, but real-world traffic is always the honest test.
Housing Costs and Inventory
The market here moves at a consistent pace. Recent data shows 47 homes sold in a single month, with properties averaging 32 days on the market before going under contract. The median sale price sits at approximately $380,000.
At any given time, you'll find about 60 active listings - representing a 3.9-month supply of inventory. Homes are selling for an average of 98.5% of list price, and about 15% close above asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Longwood's crime rate compare to the FL and national average?
CrimeGrade data shows Longwood's overall crime rate of 17.58 per 1,000 residents is higher than the Florida state average, but lower than the national average. OpenCrime.us confirms the local violent crime rate of 242.8 per 100,000 residents sits well below the national baseline of 359.1.
What are the safest neighborhoods to buy a home in Longwood, FL?
Crime data for Longwood is tracked at the city level rather than broken down by neighborhood. The Longwood Police Department provides 24-hour coverage across the entire city limits. Your best move is to review the town-wide statistics and spend time in different areas to see what fits.
What natural hazards should Longwood residents plan for?
First Street Foundation estimates 7.2% of properties carry a 30-year flood risk - an overall Minor rating for the town. Longwood sits in FEMA Zone X, outside the 100-year floodplain, but risk exists for 500-year events. Wildfire exposure is comparatively low at 22%, per Augurisk.
Is it safe to swim in the Wekiva River?
The Florida Department of Health advises caution given water quality issues on the connected Little Wekiva River, where blue-green algae advisories have prompted warnings against swimming or wading. The Wekiva River itself carries a 2021 Fish Consumption Advisory.
How reliable are police and emergency medical response times in Longwood, FL?
The Longwood Police Department provides 24-hour coverage with 50 law enforcement officers and support staff, operating from its headquarters on W Church Avenue. The agency has been state-accredited since 2002. Exact response times vary by location and incident priority.
What is Longwood, FL like to live in?
Longwood has a growing population of nearly 16,900 residents and a median home price of approximately $380,000. Properties typically spend about 32 days on the market. It's a steady suburban market within Seminole County, with a mix of available homes across price points.
