| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Westminster/100k people | Maryland/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 472 | n/a (estimate) | 2,283 | 2,470 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 29.0 | 33.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 24.2 | 123.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 39 | n/a | 188.7 | 257.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 50 | n/a (estimate) | 242 | 420 | 359 |
| Burglary | 22 | n/a | 106.4 | 190.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 386 | n/a | 1,867.3 | 1,446.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 67.7 | 412.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 422 | n/a (estimate) | 2,042 | 2,050 | 1,760 |
The Westminster crime rates are 7.8% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 50 violent crimes in Westminster (242 per 100,000 people), which is 32.6% lower than the national average and there were a total of 422 property crimes (2042 per 100,000 residents) which is 16% higher than average.
When evaluating the Westminster crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Westminster crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.
Westminster showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
AreaVibes surveyed 30 local residents in Westminster to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 53% of people answered that there was very little crime in Westminster and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 47% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Westminster 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, Westminster has an overall crime rate that is 8% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.29 daily occurrences, comprising 0.14 violent crimes and 1.16 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Westminster as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Westminster has decreased by 26.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Westminster, 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 decreased by 26.5%, while property crime has decreased by 26.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Westminster is a safe place to live.
Westminster has a poverty rate of 10.5, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In Westminster, 85.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
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 Westminster, there are 2.82 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.
| Item | Westminster | Maryland | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 53 | 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 |
| Manchester, MD | 4,868 | 180 | 108 | 287 |
| New Market, MD | 1,589 | 88 | 429 | 517 |
| Sykesville, MD | 4,060 | 68 | 540 | 608 |
| Glen Rock, PA | 2,407 | 93 | 540 | 633 |
| Pennville, PA | 2,348 | 93 | 545 | 639 |
| Littlestown, PA | 4,650 | 41 | 695 | 736 |
| New Windsor, MD | 1,415 | 152 | 744 | 896 |
| Westminster, MD | 19,096 | 242 | 2,042 | 2,283 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Weirton, WV | 19,099 | 138 | 331 | 468 |
| Country Walk, FL | 19,103 | 109 | 579 | 688 |
| Fairmont, WV | 19,106 | 520 | 1,323 | 1,843 |
| Brookfield, IL | 19,113 | 93 | 644 | 736 |
| Hybla Valley, VA | 19,075 | 194 | 1,396 | 1,590 |
| Westminster, MD | 19,096 | 242 | 2,042 | 2,283 |
Here are the best places to live in Maryland
Safest States In The US
Safest Cities In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Maryland