Is Maryland Dangerous? The Top 5 Safest Cities in Maryland

In Maryland, safety rarely feels uniform. One street can feel settled and routine, while a few miles away, the atmosphere shifts entirely. These differences show up in how people move through their day, when they run errands, and how much caution feels necessary. Over time, patterns emerge that quietly shape which places feel stable and which require more vigilance.

Is Maryland Dangerous?

Maryland ranked 15th among U.S. states for violent crime rate in 2024, at about 420 violent crimes per 100,000 people, higher than those of many other states. The most frequently reported violent offenses in Maryland were aggravated assault (61.1% of all violent crime), robbery (29.3%), rape (7.8%), and murder (1.7%). At the same time, Maryland’s property crime rate was about 2,050 per 100,000 in 2024, also above the national average. Maryland's crime rate suggests that while Maryland has areas with elevated crime activity, particularly in larger cities, the level of risk varies widely across different communities and neighborhoods.

Top 5 Safest Cities in Maryland

Using FBI crime statistics, the following 5 safest cities in Maryland highlight how safety can vary across different parts of the state, even among larger communities.

Ocean Pines

Ocean Pines stands out as a statistical outlier among larger cities in Maryland. With a population of over 12,000, it reported only 8 violent crimes, resulting in a violent crime rate of roughly 65 per 100,000 people, one of the lowest in the state. Property crime was also limited, with 72 reported incidents and a rate under 600 per 100,000, indicating consistently low risk across both major crime categories.

Bel Air

Bel Air offers a sense of safety that appeals to families and long-term residents alike. In 2019, the city recorded 21 violent crimes among just over 10,000 residents, translating to a violent crime rate near 209, which remains low for a town of its size. While property crime was more common, its levels stayed within a manageable range compared with many similarly populated cities in Maryland.

Havre de Grace

Havre de Grace combines small-city charm with relatively stable public safety. Home to nearly 14,000 residents, the city reported 36 violent crimes, placing its violent crime rate around 259 per 100,000 people. Property crime levels were moderate, suggesting that while theft-related incidents do occur, serious violent offenses remain comparatively infrequent within the community.

Takoma Park

Takoma Park presents an interesting contrast within Maryland’s safety landscape. Despite being part of a dense metro area and having close to 18,000 residents, the city’s violent crime rate stayed under 400 per 100,000 in 2019. Although property crime was higher than in smaller towns, its violent crime figures were still lower than many other urban-adjacent cities in the state.

Frederick

Frederick is the largest city on this list and demonstrates how scale does not automatically translate into danger. With a population exceeding 73,000, the city recorded 296 violent crimes, resulting in a violent crime rate of about 405 per 100,000 residents. While property crime numbers were higher due to size and activity, Frederick still performed better than many major Maryland cities, reinforcing that population alone does not define safety.

Top 5 Dangerous Cities in Maryland

Here are the top 5 most dangerous cities of maryland state that warrant your attention:

Baltimore. Often at the top of Maryland’s dangerous city lists due to high violent and property crime rates compared with state and national averages. It has long struggled with crime despite recent declines in certain categories.

Elkton. Frequently appears high on lists because its violent crime rate is significantly above the Maryland average for its population size.

Ocean City. Though known as a beach resort, Ocean City shows surprisingly high violent crime per capita, especially in peak tourism months.

Salisbury. Located on the Eastern Shore, Salisbury has crime rates above state averages for both violent and property crimes.

Cambridge. Smaller cities like Cambridge also rank high on dangerous-city lists when crime is measured per capita.

The Most Common Crime Types Seen in Maryland

In Maryland, both violent and property crimes show clear patterns in frequency:

Violent Crime Types:

Aggravated Assault – This is the most common violent offense in Maryland, accounting for more than 60% of all violent crimes reported.

Robbery – The secondmost frequent violent crime, involving force or threat of force to take property from a person.

Rape and Murder – These are less common but still reported categories of violent crime within the state.

Property Crime Types:

LarcenyTheft – The largest share of property crimes, involving the unlawful taking of property without force (e.g., shoplifting, theft from vehicles).

Motor Vehicle Theft – A significant component of property crime, accounting for over 20% of these offenses in Maryland.

Burglary – Unlawful entry into property to commit theft or other offense, making up a smaller portion of property crime compared with larceny and auto theft.

Together, these patterns show that aggressive interpersonal crimes (like assault and robbery) and theftoriented property crimes (like larceny and auto theft) are the most common crime categories impacting communities across Maryland.

How to Stay Safe in the Worst Places of Maryland?

Living or spending time in areas with higher crime rates means you need to be proactive about your personal and home safety. While no strategy guarantees complete protection, combining awareness, smart habits, and reliable security tools can significantly reduce risks and help you feel more secure.

Safety Tips for High-Crime Areas

Stay Alert and Aware: Always pay attention to your surroundings, keep your head up, avoid distractions like loud music or texting while walking, and trust your instincts if something feels off.

Travel in Groups When Possible: There is strength in numbers — walking with friends or neighbors, especially at night, can deter opportunistic crime.

Secure Your Home and Vehicles: Lock all doors and windows immediately, use deadbolts, and avoid leaving valuables visible in cars.

Light Up and Patrol Your Property: Well-lit areas and visible cameras can discourage trespassers and help neighbors watch out for each other.

Invest in a Trusted Home Security System: A comprehensive solution like the eufy ExpertSecure System E10 adds professional-grade protection with 24/7 monitoring, intrusion detection, and connectivity even during outages, helping to safeguard your home and provide documented evidence in case of incidents.

FAQs

What are the latest crime rates in Maryland?

In 2024, Maryland recorded 420 violent crimes per 100,000 people and 2,050 property crimes per 100,000 people, which are both higher than the respective national averages. The combined overall crime rate was about 2,470 offenses per 100,000 residents.

How does Maryland compare to other states in crime rates?

Maryland ranked 15th highest among U.S. states for violent crime in 2024, meaning its violent crime rate was significantly above the national average. It also ranked eighth highest for property crime, indicating that property offenses occur at a relatively high rate compared with most states.

What types of violent crimes are most common in Maryland?

Among violent crimes in 2024, aggravated assault was the most frequently reported, making up more than 60% of all violent offenses. Robbery, rape, and murder followed in decreasing order of frequency, with murder accounting for a small portion of total violent crime.

Which property crimes are most prevalent in Maryland?

Within the property crime category, larcenytheft was the dominant offense, making up over 70% of all property crimes. Motor vehicle theft and burglary were less common but still significant contributors to Maryland’s overall property crime totals.

Has crime in Maryland been increasing or decreasing recently?

Overall crime in Maryland decreased slightly in 2024 compared with the previous year, with both violent crime and property crime rates falling. Despite being above national averages, the downward trend suggests some progress in reducing crime levels yeartoyear.

Conclusion

Safety in Maryland is less about absolutes and more about consistency. Some cities struggle to keep crime contained, while others maintain a predictable rhythm that makes daily life easier. Paying attention to long-term patterns, rather than headlines, allows people to make calmer choices. With realistic expectations and basic precautions, even higher-risk environments can become more navigable.