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.

Ocean Pines Population: 12,950 231 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 17 Property Crime / 100k: 214 chance of being a victim: 1 in 434

Ocean Pines proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Maryland. With only 231 crimes per 100,000 people, Ocean Pines has a crime rate that is 88% lower than the Maryland average. This equates to an average of 0.07 crimes per day and a 1 in 434 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.

Frostburg Population: 8,550 231 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 115 Property Crime / 100k: 115 chance of being a victim: 1 in 433

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Frostburg comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Maryland with a crime rate of 231 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 72 counts of burglary, 43 counts of theft, 0 counts of vehicle theft, 14 counts of assault, 14 counts of robbery, 14 counts of rape and 72 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Frostburg, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Thurmont Population: 6,783 502 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 44 Property Crime / 100k: 458 chance of being a victim: 1 in 199

With a population of 6,783 and a total crime rate of 502 per 100,000 residents, Thurmont is the 3rd safest city in Maryland. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 93% 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.

Glenarden Population: 6,158 612 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 226 Property Crime / 100k: 387 chance of being a victim: 1 in 163

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Glenarden 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 612, 94% lower than the Maryland average. This amounts to 0.10 crimes per day and a 1 in 163 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 Glenarden a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Brunswick Population: 6,364 783 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 214 Property Crime / 100k: 570 chance of being a victim: 1 in 128

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Brunswick consistently ranks high in safety. In Brunswick, 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 783, which is 92% lower than the state average.

Hampstead Population: 6,403 970 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 297 Property Crime / 100k: 673 chance of being a victim: 1 in 103

Hampstead 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 970 crimes per 100,000 people, 94% lower than the Maryland average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 157 reports of burglary, 485 reports of theft, 31 reports of vehicle theft, 250 reports of assault, 16 reports of robbery, 31 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Fruitland Population: 5,281 1,298 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 117 Property Crime / 100k: 1,182 chance of being a victim: 1 in 77

Fruitland ranks as the seventh safest city in Maryland and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 77 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.21 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. Fruitland’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Maryland.

Rockville Population: 68,155 1,433 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 141 Property Crime / 100k: 1,292 chance of being a victim: 1 in 70

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Rockville is the 8th safest city in Maryland. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 33% lower than the Maryland average, reporting a total of 1,433 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.

Bowie Population: 58,158 1,584 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 155 Property Crime / 100k: 1,429 chance of being a victim: 1 in 63

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Bowie 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 1,584 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 43% lower than the state average.

Gaithersburg Population: 67,878 1,714 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 232 Property Crime / 100k: 1,482 chance of being a victim: 1 in 58

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Maryland, is Gaithersburg. With a low rate of crime that included 179 burglaries, 1,162 thefts, 141 vehicle thefts, 134 assaults, 64 robberies, 32 rapes and 1 homicides, the overall crime rate was 31% 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	Ocean Pines	12,950	17	214	231
2	Frostburg	8,550	115	115	231
3	Thurmont	6,783	44	458	502
4	Glenarden	6,158	226	387	612
5	Brunswick	6,364	214	570	783
6	Hampstead	6,403	297	673	970
7	Fruitland	5,281	117	1,182	1,298
8	Rockville	68,155	141	1,292	1,433
9	Bowie	58,158	155	1,429	1,584
10	Gaithersburg	67,878	232	1,482	1,714
11	Westminster	18,649	258	1,744	2,003
12	La Plata	9,516	201	1,922	2,124
13	Frederick	71,843	383	1,833	2,216
14	Chestertown	5,073	411	1,806	2,218
15	Easton	16,589	389	1,946	2,335
16	Bel Air	10,102	190	2,238	2,428
17	New Carrollton	12,925	354	2,352	2,706
18	Cheverly	6,439	403	2,385	2,788
19	Hagerstown	40,027	678	2,126	2,804
20	District Heights	5,996	539	2,433	2,971
21	Annapolis	39,321	673	2,353	3,027
22	Aberdeen	15,904	833	2,289	3,122
23	Riverdale Park	7,216	634	2,932	3,567
24	Salisbury	32,850	1,102	2,945	4,047
25	Mount Rainier	8,149	685	3,597	4,281
26	Cambridge	12,300	776	3,970	4,745
27	Bladensburg	9,428	685	4,086	4,771
28	Cumberland	19,495	628	4,296	4,924
29	Laurel	25,734	668	4,442	5,109
30	Hyattsville	18,267	973	4,475	5,448
31	Elkton	15,653	865	4,762	5,627
32	Baltimore	602,274	1,572	4,278	5,850
33	Greenbelt	23,253	693	5,566	6,259
34	Takoma Park	17,703	526	5,737	6,264

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.