| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hagerstown/100k people | Maryland/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,384 | n/a (estimate) | 3,177 | 2,470 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 4 | n/a | 9.2 | 7.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 32 | n/a | 73.5 | 33.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 97 | n/a | 222.7 | 123.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 178 | n/a | 408.6 | 257.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 311 | n/a (estimate) | 714 | 420 | 359 |
| Burglary | 218 | n/a | 500.4 | 190.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 654 | n/a | 1,501.3 | 1,446.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 201 | n/a | 461.4 | 412.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,073 | n/a (estimate) | 2,463 | 2,050 | 1,760 |
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 Hagerstown crime rate is higher than the national average by 49.9%. Specifically, there were 311 violent crimes in Hagerstown, equivalent to 714 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 98.8%. Furthermore, Hagerstown recorded 1073 property crimes, amounting to 2463 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 39.9%.
Hagerstown ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 714 per 100,000 people, Hagerstown is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 141 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Hagerstown, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Hagerstown has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Hagerstown reported 201 vehicle thefts, which equates to 461 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Hagerstown is 1 in 217.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Hagerstown residents. Out of the respondents (75 in total), 28% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Hagerstown were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 72% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Hagerstown 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, Hagerstown has an overall crime rate that is 50% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.79 daily occurrences, comprising 0.85 violent crimes and 2.94 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Hagerstown as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Hagerstown crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Hagerstown has increased by 8.3% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 6.1% and property crime has increased by 8.9%.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Hagerstown, 77.6% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Hagerstown, the cost of living is 3.17% higher than the national average.
In Hagerstown, the median home price stands at $285,058, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Hagerstown | Maryland | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 103 | 5,343 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Shepherdstown, WV | 1,694 | 35 | 163 | 198 |
| Boonsboro, MD | 3,716 | 0 | 287 | 287 |
| Falling Waters, WV | 2,058 | 75 | 352 | 427 |
| Pen Mar, PA | 1,231 | 72 | 421 | 494 |
| Smithsburg, MD | 3,042 | 62 | 468 | 530 |
| Wayne Heights, PA | 2,686 | 80 | 469 | 549 |
| Mercersburg, PA | 1,737 | 80 | 469 | 550 |
| Hagerstown, MD | 40,940 | 714 | 2,463 | 3,177 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Los Banos, CA | 40,884 | 214 | 1,833 | 2,046 |
| Chelsea, MA | 41,000 | 979 | 1,436 | 2,415 |
| Annapolis, MD | 40,873 | 808 | 2,094 | 2,903 |
| Montclair, CA | 41,014 | 644 | 3,646 | 4,290 |
| Columbia, TN | 40,814 | 573 | 2,487 | 3,060 |
| Hagerstown, MD | 40,940 | 714 | 2,463 | 3,177 |
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