Is Windermere, FL Safe? 2026 Crime Statistics & Local Safety Guide

September 2026 | By Andy Neal, The Agency FL

Quick answer: Yes. Based on the most recent FBI data reported by the Windermere Police Department, Windermere's overall crime rate is about 74% lower than the national average and 67% lower than the Florida average. The town reported just 17 crimes in its most recent reporting year, with only 3 violent crimes among roughly 3,100 residents.

Safety is one of the first questions I hear from families relocating to Central Florida. This guide gives you the real numbers, where they come from, and what they mean day to day.

Windermere Crime Statistics at a Glance

Windermere: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data, 2023 (most recent year reported by the Windermere Police Department). Florida and U.S.: FBI data, 2024.

What this means in practice:

• Violent crime is about 73% below the national average and 64% below Florida's.
• Property crime is about 74% below the national average and 68% below Florida's.
• Your odds of being a victim of any crime in Windermere are roughly 1 in 182 per year. For violent crime, about 1 in 1,030.

How Windermere Compares to Orlando

Just 14 miles away, the City of Orlando reported about 4,259 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024, nearly eight times Windermere's rate. Windermere's overall crime rate is roughly 87% lower than Orlando's, which is a big reason buyers who work in Orlando choose to live here.

Why the Numbers Need Context

Windermere is a small town, and small numbers swing easily. With only 17 reported crimes in a year, a handful of incidents can move the rate noticeably from one year to the next. That's why it's best to look at the actual incident counts, not just percentages, and to compare over several years rather than any single one.

It's also worth knowing what you're looking at online. Many crime websites show estimated figures for Windermere, calculated from demographics rather than actual police reports. The numbers in this guide come from incidents the Windermere Police Department actually reported to the FBI.

What Keeps Windermere Safe

A Dedicated Local Police Department

Windermere has its own police department rather than relying solely on the county sheriff. With about 5.1 law enforcement employees per 1,000 residents, it's staffed well above the Florida average (4.2) and the national average (3.3). A small town with a dedicated force means officers know the neighborhoods, and residents know the officers.

Gated Communities

Many of Windermere's most popular neighborhoods are guard-gated or gate-controlled, including Isleworth, Keene's Pointe, Lake Butler Sound, and The Reserve at Belmere. Controlled access adds a layer of privacy and security on top of the town's already-low crime rate. See my guide to The 7 Best Gated Communities in Windermere for a full breakdown.

A Close-Knit Small Town

With a population of around 3,100 in the town itself, Windermere has the kind of community where neighbors recognize each other. Town events, the farmers market, and active HOAs keep residents connected, and connected communities tend to notice when something is off.

Is Windermere Safe? Neighborhood-Level Tips for Buyers

Safety varies block by block anywhere, including here. When I help clients evaluate a specific home, I recommend:

1. Check the exact address, not just the ZIP code. "Windermere" addresses (34786) cover a much larger area than the town limits, and parts of that area are policed by the Orange County Sheriff's Office rather than the Windermere Police Department.
2. Look up recent incidents on a crime map for the specific street.
3. Ask the HOA about gate staffing, cameras, and any recent issues.
4. Visit at night and on weekends, not just during a daytime showing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Windermere, FL a safe place to live?
Yes. Windermere's crime rate is about 74% below the national average and 67% below the Florida average, based on the most recent FBI data reported by the Windermere Police Department.

How much crime is there in Windermere?
In the most recent reporting year, Windermere reported 17 crimes in total: 3 violent crimes and 14 property crimes, for a population of about 3,100.

Is Windermere safer than Orlando?
Yes, significantly. Windermere's overall crime rate is about 87% lower than the City of Orlando's.

Does Windermere have its own police department?
Yes. The Windermere Police Department serves the town, with staffing levels above both the Florida and national averages per resident. Some addresses with a Windermere mailing address are outside town limits and are served by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Thinking About Moving to Windermere?

I've spent years helping families buy and sell across Windermere's neighborhoods. If safety is a top priority, I can walk you through specific communities, gate setups, and recent activity for any home you're considering. Contact me for a private tour or a neighborhood-by-neighborhood comparison.

Sources: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program (Windermere 2023; Florida and U.S. 2024); FBI law enforcement employee data.