A+
75%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
83%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
73%
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 peopleSmithsburg/100k peopleMaryland/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime17n/a (estimate)5302,4702,119
Murder0n/a0.07.25.0
Rape0n/a0.033.037.5
Robbery0n/a0.0123.260.6
Assault2n/a62.4257.0256.1
Violent crime2n/a (estimate)62420359
Burglary0n/a0.0190.0229.2
Theft13n/a405.61,446.81,272.1
Vehicle theft2n/a62.4412.8258.8
Property crime15n/a (estimate)4682,0501,760

Smithsburg crime map

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

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Smithsburg is 75% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Smithsburg, there were 2 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 62 per 100,000 individuals, 82.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 15 property crimes, amounting to 468 per 100,000 residents, 73.4% lower than the U.S. average.

With a crime rate of 530, significantly below the national average of 2119, Smithsburg stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.

With only 62 incidents per 100,000 people, Smithsburg boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Smithsburg has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Smithsburg reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Smithsburg maintains a property crime rate of 468 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Smithsburg as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.

Is Smithsburg a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Smithsburg, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Smithsburg presents a total crime rate that is 75% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Smithsburg experiences an average of 0.05 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.04 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Smithsburg Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Smithsburg has increased by 21.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Smithsburg, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 100%, while property crime has increased by 15.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Smithsburg is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Smithsburg

Smithsburg has a poverty rate that stands at 6.1, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Smithsburg crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Smithsburg, there are 1.66 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

In Smithsburg, the median home price stands at $438,501, 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.

Compare Smithsburg, MD Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Smithsburg crime rates are 75% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Smithsburg are 83% lower than the national average
      • In Smithsburg you have a 1 in 189 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Smithsburg is safer than 82% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Smithsburg has decreased by 44%

      Smithsburg, MD Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Smithsburg (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Smithsburg (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Smithsburg

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Smithsburg is 1 in 1603
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Smithsburg is 1 in 214
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Smithsburg is 1 in 189

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

        Smithsburg police department

        Item Smithsburg Maryland National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)55,343558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.73.33.3
        There are a total of 5 Smithsburg police officers. This results in 1.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 50.4% less than the Maryland average and 49.1% 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
        Boonsboro, MD3,7160287287
        Pen Mar, PA1,23172421494
        Wayne Heights, PA2,68680469549
        Carroll Valley, PA4,03922547569
        Mont Alto, PA1,82694547641
        Thurmont, MD7,03488571659
        Marion, PA1,59699576675
        Smithsburg, MD3,04262468530

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Watkinsville, GA3,04285436520
        Bonny Doon, CA3,04276326402
        Gillespie, IL3,0431468681,015
        Madison, IL3,0401781,0551,233
        Cumberland Center, ME3,04416179195
        Smithsburg, MD3,04262468530
        Source: The Smithsburg, 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.