C+
6%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
33%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
14%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleBel Air/100k peopleMaryland/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime234n/a (estimate)2,2452,4702,119
Murder1n/a9.67.25.0
Rape1n/a9.633.037.5
Robbery3n/a28.8123.260.6
Assault20n/a191.9257.0256.1
Violent crime25n/a (estimate)240420359
Burglary10n/a96.0190.0229.2
Theft190n/a1,823.11,446.81,272.1
Vehicle theft9n/a86.4412.8258.8
Property crime209n/a (estimate)2,0052,0501,760

Bel Air crime map

Get this widget

The Bel Air crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Bel Air as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Bel Air crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Bel Air crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bel Air, MD

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Bel Air is 6% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Bel Air, there were 25 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 240 per 100,000 individuals, 33.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 209 property crimes, amounting to 2005 per 100,000 residents, 13.9% higher than the U.S. average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Bel Air per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Bel Air, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Bel Air exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 2005 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Bel Air maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bel Air?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bel Air. Based on the results of the surveys (15 responses), 87% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bel Air and felt safe walking alone at night. While 13% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Bel Air a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Bel Air, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bel Air presents a total crime rate that is 6% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bel Air experiences an average of 0.64 daily crimes, comprising 0.07 violent incidents and 0.57 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Bel Air Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Bel Air has increased by 19.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Bel Air is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 19.1%, while property crime has increased by 19.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Bel Air.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bel Air

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Bel Air crime rates. Bel Air registers a population density of 3428.3 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Bel Air, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

In Bel Air, the average rental rates are $1,946 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Compare Bel Air, MD Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Bel Air crime rates are 6% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Bel Air are 33% lower than the national average
      • In Bel Air you have a 1 in 45 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Bel Air is safer than 33% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Bel Air has decreased by 8%

      Bel Air, MD Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Bel Air

        See all the best places to live around Bel Air
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Bel Air?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Bel Air?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Bel Air poll results

        Daily Crime In Bel Air (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Bel Air (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bel Air

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bel Air is 1 in 417
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bel Air is 1 in 50
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Bel Air is 1 in 45

        Year Over Year Crime In Bel Air (per 100,000 people)

        Bel Air police department

        Item Bel Air Maryland National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)n/a5,343558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/a3.33.3

        Sex offenders in Maryland

        State Total offenders Maryland /100K National /100K
        Maryland7,370135266
        There are a total of 7,370 sex offenders in Maryland. This yields a total of 135 sex offenders in Maryland per 100,000 residents which is 49% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Jarrettsville, MD2,889104507611
        Hampton, MD4,823109532642
        Pylesville, MD1,051109532642
        Kingsville, MD4,776147718865
        Pleasant Hills, MD4,1291838931,076
        Perryman, MD2,4611949461,140
        Fallston, MD9,4492071,0091,216
        Bel Air, MD10,4112402,0052,245

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Makaha, HI10,4112772,4762,753
        Manville, NJ10,4091009641,064
        Purcellville, VA10,40222695718
        Waldwick, NJ10,42219348368
        Sleepy Hollow, NY10,423145655800
        Bel Air, MD10,4112402,0052,245
        Source: The Bel Air, MD crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.