B-
17%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
46%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
30%
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 peopleBowie/100k peopleMaryland/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime1,408n/a (estimate)2,4732,4702,119
Murder0n/a0.07.25.0
Rape20n/a35.133.037.5
Robbery33n/a58.0123.260.6
Assault57n/a100.1257.0256.1
Violent crime110n/a (estimate)193420359
Burglary79n/a138.8190.0229.2
Theft1,003n/a1,761.81,446.81,272.1
Vehicle theft216n/a379.4412.8258.8
Property crime1,298n/a (estimate)2,2802,0501,760

Bowie crime map

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The Bowie crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Bowie 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 Bowie crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Bowie 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.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Bowie, MD

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Bowie crime rate is higher than the national average by 16.7%. Specifically, there were 110 violent crimes in Bowie, equivalent to 193 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 46.2%. Furthermore, Bowie recorded 1298 property crimes, amounting to 2280 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 29.5%.

In the latest reported crime year, Bowie recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bowie?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Bowie residents. Out of the respondents (24 in total), 54% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Bowie were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 46% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Bowie a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Bowie a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Bowie crime rate is 17% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.86 crimes per day - 0.3 violent crimes and 3.56 property crimes.

Has Crime in Bowie Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Bowie. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Bowie has increased by 100.6%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 52.8%, while property crime has increased by 106%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Bowie.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bowie

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Bowie crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Bowie has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Bowie, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.08, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Bowie, the average monthly rent stands at $2,945, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

Compare Bowie, MD Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Bowie crime rates are 17% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Bowie are 46% lower than the national average
      • In Bowie you have a 1 in 41 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Bowie is safer than 35% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Bowie has increased by 56%

      Bowie, MD Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Bowie (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Bowie, MD per 100,000 people. In Bowie, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.00 times more than the Maryland average and 1.17 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Bowie is 2.18 times less than the Maryland average and 1.86 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Bowie has a daily crime rate that is 1.11 times more than the Maryland average and 1.30 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Bowie (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Bowie in comparison to other Maryland communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Bowie safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Bowie being safer than 53% of cities in Maryland and 35% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking Maryland cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Bowie. In conclusion, Bowie ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Bowie

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Bowie is 1 in 518
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Bowie is 1 in 44
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Bowie is 1 in 41
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Bowie? In Bowie, MD you have a 1 in 518 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 44 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 41 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Bowie.

        Year Over Year Crime In Bowie (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Bowie is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Bowie has increased by 25% and the rate of property crime in Bowie has increased by 60%. The total crime rate in Bowie has increased by 56% year to year.

        Bowie police department

        Item Bowie Maryland National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)605,343558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.13.33.3
        There are a total of 60 Bowie police officers. This results in 1.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 67.7% less than the Maryland average and 66.9% less than the National average.

        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
        Highland, MD1,12659288347
        Crownsville, MD1,50659288347
        Galesville, MD1,29959288347
        Herald Harbor, MD2,49666322387
        Queensland, MD1,84368330398
        Arden on the Severn, MD1,50179387466
        Spencerville, MD1,71988429517
        Bowie, MD60,1531932,2802,473

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Casper, WY60,1542892,1122,401
        Greenwood, IN60,1571091,5291,638
        Des Plaines, IL60,1591211,1401,260
        Orland Park, IL60,161281,0971,126
        Great Falls, MT60,2095743,4264,001
        Bowie, MD60,1531932,2802,473
        Source: The Bowie, 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.