| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Forest Heights/100k people | Maryland/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 45 | n/a (estimate) | 1,749 | 2,470 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 77.7 | 7.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 38.9 | 33.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 155.5 | 123.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 194.3 | 257.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 466 | 420 | 359 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 116.6 | 190.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 16 | n/a | 621.8 | 1,446.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 544.1 | 412.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 33 | n/a (estimate) | 1,283 | 2,050 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Forest Heights crime rate is 17.5% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Forest Heights, there were 12 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 466 per 100,000 individuals, 29.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, Forest Heights recorded 33 property crimes, amounting to 1283 per 100,000 residents, 27.1% lower than the U.S. average.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Forest Heights has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 2 murders in Forest Heights, which is 78 murders per 100,000 people.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Forest Heights ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 14 vehicle thefts, amounting to 544 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Forest Heights within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 184.
Determining whether Forest Heights is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Forest Heights has an overall crime rate that is 17% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.12 daily occurrences, comprising 0.03 violent crimes and 0.09 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Forest Heights as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Forest Heights. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Forest Heights has increased by 36.4%. Violent crimes have increased by 33.3%, while property crimes have increased by 37.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Forest Heights has a population density of 6066 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Forest Heights crime rates.
In Forest Heights, the cost of living is 19.51% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
Forest Heights has an average rental rate of $3,176 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Forest Heights | Maryland | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 7 | 5,343 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Maryland /100K | National /100K |
| Maryland | 7,370 | 135 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mason Neck, VA | 1,979 | 31 | 220 | 251 |
| Occoquan, VA | 1,081 | 31 | 220 | 251 |
| Ravensworth, VA | 2,936 | 34 | 246 | 280 |
| Chevy Chase View, MD | 1,184 | 59 | 288 | 347 |
| Baden, MD | 1,632 | 59 | 288 | 347 |
| Martin's Additions, MD | 1,119 | 59 | 288 | 347 |
| Cabin John, MD | 2,355 | 66 | 322 | 387 |
| Forest Heights, MD | 2,824 | 466 | 1,283 | 1,749 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| St. Marys, KS | 2,824 | 171 | 760 | 931 |
| Tusculum, TN | 2,824 | 0 | 295 | 295 |
| Follansbee, WV | 2,824 | 0 | 605 | 605 |
| Ashley, PA | 2,823 | 537 | 345 | 882 |
| Canadian Lakes, MI | 2,823 | 96 | 305 | 400 |
| Forest Heights, MD | 2,824 | 466 | 1,283 | 1,749 |