Safest cities in Maryland

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.

Frostburg Population: 8,550 242 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 114 Property Crime / 100k: 128 chance of being a victim: 1 in 413

Frostburg proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Maryland. With only 242 crimes per 100,000 people, Frostburg has a crime rate that is 93% lower than the Maryland average. This equates to an average of 0.05 crimes per day and a 1 in 413 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.

Thurmont Population: 6,783 497 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 60 Property Crime / 100k: 436 chance of being a victim: 1 in 201

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Thurmont comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Maryland with a crime rate of 497 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 90 counts of burglary, 346 counts of theft, 0 counts of vehicle theft, 30 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 30 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Thurmont, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Brunswick Population: 6,364 978 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 193 Property Crime / 100k: 785 chance of being a victim: 1 in 102

With a population of 6,364 and a total crime rate of 978 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.

Hampstead Population: 6,403 1,009 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 158 Property Crime / 100k: 851 chance of being a victim: 1 in 99

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Hampstead 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 1,009, 94% lower than the Maryland average. This amounts to 0.18 crimes per day and a 1 in 99 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 Hampstead a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Bowie Population: 58,158 1,312 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 109 Property Crime / 100k: 1,204 chance of being a victim: 1 in 76

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Bowie consistently ranks high in safety. In Bowie, 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 1,312, which is 43% lower than the state average.

Easton Population: 16,589 1,346 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 122 Property Crime / 100k: 1,224 chance of being a victim: 1 in 74

Easton 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 1,346 crimes per 100,000 people, 83% lower than the Maryland average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 128 reports of burglary, 1,050 reports of theft, 46 reports of vehicle theft, 52 reports of assault, 35 reports of robbery, 29 reports of rape and 6 reports of homicide.

Havre de Grace Population: 13,808 1,525 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 128 Property Crime / 100k: 1,398 chance of being a victim: 1 in 66

Havre de Grace ranks as the seventh safest city in Maryland and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 66 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.62 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. Havre de Grace’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Maryland.

Frederick Population: 71,843 1,926 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 372 Property Crime / 100k: 1,555 chance of being a victim: 1 in 52

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Frederick is the 8th safest city in Maryland. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 19% lower than the Maryland average, reporting a total of 1,926 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.

Chestertown Population: 5,073 1,987 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 319 Property Crime / 100k: 1,667 chance of being a victim: 1 in 50

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Chestertown 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 1,987 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Westminster Population: 18,649 2,435 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 461 Property Crime / 100k: 1,974 chance of being a victim: 1 in 41

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Maryland, is Westminster. With a low rate of crime that included 183 burglaries, 1,726 thefts, 64 vehicle thefts, 426 assaults, 10 robberies, 25 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 80% 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	8,550	114	128	242
2	Thurmont	6,783	60	436	497
3	Brunswick	6,364	193	785	978
4	Hampstead	6,403	158	851	1,009
5	Bowie	58,158	109	1,204	1,312
6	Easton	16,589	122	1,224	1,346
7	Havre de Grace	13,808	128	1,398	1,525
8	Frederick	71,843	372	1,555	1,926
9	Chestertown	5,073	319	1,667	1,987
10	Westminster	18,649	461	1,974	2,435
11	Annapolis	39,321	530	1,944	2,474
12	Bel Air	10,102	178	2,511	2,689
13	Aberdeen	15,904	609	2,128	2,737
14	Hagerstown	40,027	712	2,053	2,765
15	Mount Rainier	8,149	567	2,786	3,353
16	Salisbury	32,850	1,095	2,583	3,678
17	Cumberland	19,495	611	3,395	4,006
18	Baltimore	602,274	1,553	3,277	4,830
19	Elkton	15,653	715	5,327	6,042
20	Ocean City	6,957	1,854	10,809	12,664

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.