Maryland Crime & Safety
Crime rates and safety scores for all 24 counties.
Avg Violent Crime Rate
312.0
per 100K
Avg Property Crime Rate
1327.0
per 100K
Avg Safety Score
38/100
State Overview
Crime & Safety in Maryland
National Context
Maryland Stays Well Below National Crime Averages
Maryland reports a total crime rate of 1,638.3 per 100,000 residents, significantly outperforming the national average of 2,385.5. This positioning places the state on the safer end of the national spectrum for overall criminal activity. All 24 counties provided data, offering a comprehensive view of the state's public safety landscape.
Violent vs. Property Crime
Property Crime Represents Bulk of Local Activity
Property offenses comprise the majority of incidents in Maryland, occurring at a rate of 1,326.6 per 100,000 residents. The state's violent crime rate sits at 311.8 per 100,000, which is lower than the national benchmark of 369.8. This breakdown suggests that while theft and burglary occur, Maryland maintains a lower-than-average risk for violent encounters.
Safest Counties
Calvert and Queen Anne’s Lead in Safety
Calvert County is the safest in the state with a total crime rate of only 738.9 per 100,000 residents. Queen Anne's and Dorchester counties also stand out for their low rates, both staying under 851 incidents per 100,000. These regions offer some of the most secure environments for Maryland families.
Crime Hotspots
Urban and Coastal Hubs Show Higher Rates
Baltimore City reports a total crime rate of 4,987.0 per 100,000, driven largely by its role as a dense metropolitan center. Worcester County and Prince George's County also show higher activity levels, reporting 2,686.1 and 2,445.7 per 100,000 respectively. These figures often reflect the unique pressures of high-traffic tourism and large population concentrations.
The Takeaway
A Secure Outlook for Maryland Residents
Maryland remains a generally safe state where average crime rates consistently beat national figures. Prospective residents can find exceptional peace of mind in southern and Eastern Shore counties. While urban centers require more situational awareness, the statewide data supports a positive assessment of Maryland's public safety.
Safest Counties
All Maryland Counties
| County | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Calvert County | 69/100 |
| Queen Anne's County | 66/100 |
| Dorchester County | 63/100 |
| Carroll County | 61/100 |
| Garrett County | 57/100 |
| St. Mary's County | 54/100 |
| Kent County | 52/100 |
| Talbot County | 48/100 |
| Harford County | 47/100 |
| Frederick County | 47/100 |
| Caroline County | 41/100 |
| Charles County | 37/100 |
| Howard County | 35/100 |
| Allegany County | 33/100 |
| Somerset County | 32/100 |
| Montgomery County | 30/100 |
| Washington County | 30/100 |
| Wicomico County | 24/100 |
| Anne Arundel County | 23/100 |
| Cecil County | 18/100 |
| Baltimore County | 15/100 |
| Prince George's County | 14/100 |
| Worcester County | 11/100 |
| Baltimore city | 2/100 |
Crime rates per 100K population. — = data pending.
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Data Sources
Crime data sourced from the FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR) and County Health Rankings. Safety scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Not legal or security advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.