For the fourth year in a row, crime in Hillsborough County is down, marking a historic and sustained reduction that reinforces that Hillsborough County is one of the best places to call home.
According to 2025 data submitted through the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), overall crime has declined 12.79% compared to the previous year. This is the largest single-year reduction during this four-year trend.
Since 2022, Hillsborough County has seen a consistent decrease in crime:
- 2022: Down 6.2%
- 2023: Down 8.23%
- 2024: Down 12.30%
- 2025: Down 12.79%
“These numbers aren’t just impressive, they’re historic,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “While communities across the country are experiencing turmoil and rising crime, we are not, because we won’t allow it here. People continue to move to Hillsborough County, and despite that growth, crime is going down. That doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because we are relentless about protecting this community and making sure Hillsborough County remains a safe place to live, visit, and raise a family.”
Significant reductions were seen in some of the most serious crime categories. Homicides, as categorized by NIBRS, dropped 55%, from 49 in 2024 to 22 in 2025. Firearm-related violent crime declined 10.55%, while overall violent crime fell 13.85%. Vehicle burglaries and property crimes were also reduced by 29% and more than 22% respectively, as compared to last year.
The sustained decrease reflects a proactive, long-term approach to public safety, not short-term fixes.
“We don’t put band-aids on crime,” Sheriff Chronister said. “We take a proactive, strategic approach that looks at long-term impact. Whether it’s removing firearms from the hands of violent felons and drugs off our streets through targeted enforcement like our Drug Interdiction Unit, being more proactive in addressing domestic violence with the newly created Domestic Violence Unit, or evolving how we deploy resources, we are always innovating to address future challenges. We direct policy, and we create culture, and that mindset has a trickle-down effect that produces real results.”
The Sheriff underscored the partnerships that are necessary to achieve historic crime reduction.
“The partnership and ongoing support from our County Administrator and Commissioners have been a crucial factor in equipping us with the tools, technologies, and resources necessary to protect our community effectively and under any circumstance,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
The Sheriff emphasized that collaboration across all ranks and units within the sheriff’s office is central to success.
“None of this happens without the men and women of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Chronister added. “Their passion, dedication, and willingness to work together are what make this office special. I don’t take one second of their commitment for granted. They sacrifice every day for this community, and these results belong to them.”
HCSO continues to adapt as the county evolves, refining strategies and task forces to stay ahead of emerging trends.