Safest cities in Maryland

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Known as the 'Old Line State,' Maryland is a blend of historic charm and modern innovation. Located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Maryland boasts diverse geography, from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean in the east. The state's economy is robust, driven by sectors such as biotechnology, healthcare, education, and government services. Baltimore, the largest city, is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and waterfront attractions, including the Inner Harbor and National Aquarium. Maryland is also home to numerous historic sites, beautiful parks, and prestigious universities, contributing to its dynamic cultural landscape.

Low crime rates are essential for enhancing the livability of communities in Maryland, making the safest cities highly desirable places to live. Safety provides a foundation for economic stability and community well-being, allowing residents to feel secure in their daily lives. Factors that contribute to the safety of Maryland's cities include community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and natural attractions Maryland has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

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Frostburg Population: 8,747 115 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 14 Property Crime / 100k: 101 chance of being a victim: 1 in 868

Frostburg proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Maryland. With only 115 crimes per 100,000 people, Frostburg has a crime rate that is 93% lower than the Maryland average. This equates to an average of 0.02 crimes per day and a 1 in 868 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Ocean Pines Population: 13,245 360 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 33 Property Crime / 100k: 327 chance of being a victim: 1 in 278

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Ocean Pines comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Maryland with a crime rate of 360 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 57 counts of burglary, 262 counts of theft, 8 counts of vehicle theft, 16 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 16 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Ocean Pines, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Brunswick Population: 6,559 624 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 130 Property Crime / 100k: 495 chance of being a victim: 1 in 160

With a population of 6,559 and a total crime rate of 624 per 100,000 residents, Brunswick is the 3rd safest city in Maryland. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 92% lower than the Maryland average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Thurmont Population: 7,034 659 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 88 Property Crime / 100k: 571 chance of being a victim: 1 in 152

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Thurmont is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 659, 93% lower than the Maryland average. This amounts to 0.12 crimes per day and a 1 in 152 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Thurmont a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Hampstead Population: 6,569 978 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 155 Property Crime / 100k: 822 chance of being a victim: 1 in 102

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Hampstead consistently ranks high in safety. In Hampstead, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 978, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Glenarden Population: 6,365 1,091 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 209 Property Crime / 100k: 883 chance of being a victim: 1 in 92

Glenarden has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Maryland. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 1,091 crimes per 100,000 people, 94% lower than the Maryland average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 96 reports of burglary, 498 reports of theft, 289 reports of vehicle theft, 48 reports of assault, 161 reports of robbery, 0 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Mount Airy Population: 9,806 1,345 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 321 Property Crime / 100k: 1,023 chance of being a victim: 1 in 74

Mount Airy ranks as the seventh safest city in Maryland and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 74 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.37 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Mount Airy’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Maryland.

Havre de Grace Population: 14,096 1,404 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 139 Property Crime / 100k: 1,265 chance of being a victim: 1 in 71

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Havre de Grace is the 8th safest city in Maryland. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 85% lower than the Maryland average, reporting a total of 1,404 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Gaithersburg Population: 69,801 1,565 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 253 Property Crime / 100k: 1,312 chance of being a victim: 1 in 64

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Gaithersburg is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Maryland, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 1,565 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 30% lower than the state average.

Rockville Population: 70,839 1,673 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 150 Property Crime / 100k: 1,523 chance of being a victim: 1 in 60

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Maryland, is Rockville. With a low rate of crime that included 192 burglaries, 1,144 thefts, 187 vehicle thefts, 89 assaults, 45 robberies, 16 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 33% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Maryland

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Frostburg	8,747	14	101	115
2	Ocean Pines	13,245	33	327	360
3	Brunswick	6,559	130	495	624
4	Thurmont	7,034	88	571	659
5	Hampstead	6,569	155	822	978
6	Glenarden	6,365	209	883	1,091
7	Mount Airy	9,806	321	1,023	1,345
8	Havre de Grace	14,096	139	1,265	1,404
9	Gaithersburg	69,801	253	1,312	1,565
10	Rockville	70,839	150	1,523	1,673
11	New Carrollton	13,268	293	1,645	1,938
12	La Plata	9,875	216	1,755	1,970
13	Frederick	73,590	406	1,674	2,080
14	Chestertown	5,197	231	1,852	2,083
15	Bel Air	10,411	240	2,005	2,245
16	Westminster	19,096	242	2,042	2,283
17	Easton	17,240	400	1,981	2,380
18	Fruitland	5,402	200	2,188	2,389
19	District Heights	6,150	780	1,681	2,461
20	Bowie	60,153	193	2,280	2,473
21	Aberdeen	16,231	596	2,034	2,629
22	Annapolis	40,873	808	2,094	2,903
23	Cheverly	6,676	218	2,864	3,082
24	Hagerstown	40,940	714	2,463	3,177
25	Mount Rainier	8,475	782	2,632	3,414
26	Cambridge	12,776	545	3,188	3,733
27	Riverdale Park	7,497	985	2,912	3,896
28	Salisbury	33,988	955	3,006	3,960
29	Hyattsville	18,985	688	3,340	4,028
30	Cumberland	19,928	461	3,928	4,389
31	Bladensburg	9,756	970	3,517	4,487
32	Greenbelt	23,942	649	4,377	5,026
33	Laurel	26,740	394	4,862	5,255
34	Baltimore	621,744	1,606	4,157	5,763
35	Elkton	16,222	1,080	5,232	6,312
36	Takoma Park	18,062	540	7,073	7,613
37	Ocean City	7,122	980	8,807	9,787

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Maryland is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Maryland cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.