D+
17%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
30%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
27%
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 peopleForest Heights/100k peopleMaryland/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime45n/a (estimate)1,7492,4702,119
Murder2n/a77.77.25.0
Rape1n/a38.933.037.5
Robbery4n/a155.5123.260.6
Assault5n/a194.3257.0256.1
Violent crime12n/a (estimate)466420359
Burglary3n/a116.6190.0229.2
Theft16n/a621.81,446.81,272.1
Vehicle theft14n/a544.1412.8258.8
Property crime33n/a (estimate)1,2832,0501,760

Forest Heights crime map

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

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.

Is Forest Heights a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Forest Heights Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Forest Heights

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.

Compare Forest Heights, MD Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Forest Heights crime rates are 17% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Forest Heights are 30% higher than the national average
      • In Forest Heights you have a 1 in 58 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Forest Heights is safer than 21% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Forest Heights has increased by 151%

      Forest Heights, MD Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Forest Heights (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Forest Heights (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Forest Heights

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Forest Heights is 1 in 215
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Forest Heights is 1 in 78
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Forest Heights is 1 in 58

        Year Over Year Crime In Forest Heights (per 100,000 people)

        Forest Heights police department

        Item Forest Heights Maryland National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)75,343558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.83.33.3
        There are a total of 7 Forest Heights police officers. This results in 2.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 15.9% less than the Maryland average and 13.7% 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
        Mason Neck, VA1,97931220251
        Occoquan, VA1,08131220251
        Ravensworth, VA2,93634246280
        Chevy Chase View, MD1,18459288347
        Baden, MD1,63259288347
        Martin's Additions, MD1,11959288347
        Cabin John, MD2,35566322387
        Forest Heights, MD2,8244661,2831,749

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        St. Marys, KS2,824171760931
        Tusculum, TN2,8240295295
        Follansbee, WV2,8240605605
        Ashley, PA2,823537345882
        Canadian Lakes, MI2,82396305400
        Forest Heights, MD2,8244661,2831,749
        Source: The Forest Heights, 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.