Robbery, previously nonexistent in the city, emerged as a concern in recent years. From zero reported cases in 2018 and 2019, robberies rose to 4 in 2020, then decreased to 2 in 2022. The robbery rate per 1,000 people went from 0 to 0.24 in 2020, then to 0.12 in 2022. The city's percentage of state robbery cases increased from 0% to 0.07% in 2022, indicating a growing issue despite low absolute numbers.

Aggravated assault has seen the most significant increase among violent crimes in DeFuniak Springs. Cases doubled from 15 in 2018 to 30 in 2022, with the rate per 1,000 people rising from 0.89 to 1.79. The city's share of state aggravated assault cases grew from 0.05% in 2018 to 0.23% in 2022, signaling a substantial rise relative to state trends.

These crime trends coincide with changes in the city's racial demographics. The percentage of white residents decreased slightly from 77% in 2018 to 75% in 2022, while the percentage of residents identifying as two or more races doubled from 3% to 6%. This demographic shift correlates with the increase in violent crimes, particularly aggravated assaults.

Predictive models suggest that if current trends continue, DeFuniak Springs may see its annual total violent crimes reach approximately 50-55 cases by 2029. This projection assumes a continued increase in aggravated assaults and potential fluctuations in rape and robbery cases.

In conclusion, DeFuniak Springs has experienced a notable increase in violent crimes from 2018 to 2022, primarily driven by a rise in aggravated assaults. While the city remains free of murders, the growth in other violent crime categories, particularly in relation to state percentages, suggests a need for targeted intervention strategies. The changing demographic composition of the city may be a factor influencing these trends, warranting further investigation into community dynamics and crime prevention measures.