Though it is home to retirement communities, theme parks, and beautiful beaches, Florida also has cities with very high divorce rates. The Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey indicates that Florida has a divorce rate of 3.0% overall, which is less than the 10.9% national average. Still, certain Florida cities have divorce rates that are far higher than the state and national norms. These are five such cities, selected by the proportion of divorced adults (15 years of age and older) in each.
Starke
At 13.0% among its adult population, Starke, a small city in Bradford County with 5,756 residents, has the highest divorce rate in Florida. This number is 10 points higher than the national average and 7 points higher than the state average. Remarkably, Starke has a poverty rate of 23.9% and a median income of $42,976, making it one of the lowest wealthy communities in Florida.
Lake City
With 12,307 residents, Lake City is the county seat of Columbia County and has the second-highest divorce rate in Florida among adult residents (11.0%). This is 8.1 points higher than the national average and 6.1 points higher than the state average. Furthermore, Lake City is well-known for having high crime rates, with 1,151 violent crimes and 6,986 property crimes for every 100,000 residents.
Palatka
With 10,387 residents, Palatka is the county seat of Putnam County and has the third-highest divorce rate among adult Floridians (10.0%). This is 5.1 points higher than the state average and 7.1 points higher than the national average. At a median age of 41.4, Palatka is among the oldest cities in Florida.
DeFuniak Springs
At 10.0% among its adult population, DeFuniak Springs, a town in Walton County with 6,284 residents, has Florida’s fourth-highest divorce rate. This is 5.1 points higher than the state average and 7.1 points higher than the national average. DeFuniak Springs is renowned for its historic neighborhood, which includes a circular lake and homes built in the Victorian style.
Orange Park
With a population of 9,107, Orange Park, a town in Clay County, has the fifth-highest divorce rate in Florida among its adult population, at 9.0%. This is 6.1 points higher than the national average and 4.1 points higher than the state average. In addition, Orange Park is a Jacksonville suburb that is a part of the Jacksonville metro region.
In summary
Travelers are drawn to Florida’s bright vistas, but use caution when traveling there. The towns that have been selected, which are facing issues related to crime and poverty, highlight the significance of making well-informed travel selections. Through vigilance and investigation of safer options, tourists may guarantee an unforgettable and safe encounter with the various scenery of the Sunshine State.
