Baltimore city Crime & Safety

Baltimore city, Maryland

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

4987.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

1668.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

3319.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

2/100

Higher = safer

State avg 38/100

State Safety Rank

#24

of 24 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Baltimore city, Maryland

Baltimore City Safety Trends and Challenges

Baltimore City faces significant safety hurdles with a total crime rate of 4,987.0 per 100,000, more than double the national average. Despite these challenges, it maintains a safety score of 92.1, though the violent crime rate of 1,668.0 is substantially higher than the national 369.8. Data from a single reporting agency highlights a concentrated focus on urban law enforcement.

Evaluating Baltimore within Maryland's Landscape

The city's safety score of 92.1 is the lowest among its peers, sitting well below the state average of 97.4. Its total crime rate of 4,987.0 is nearly triple the state average of 1,638.3 per 100,000 residents. Users should interpret this single-agency data with caution as it reflects the specific pressures of a major urban center.

Comparing the City to Baltimore County

Baltimore City's crime rate is significantly higher than neighboring Baltimore County, which reports a total rate of 2,415.6. While the county is safer by comparison, the city remains the regional focal point for law enforcement resources and public safety initiatives. The disparity underscores the different challenges faced by urban versus suburban Maryland jurisdictions.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Ratios

Violent crime in the city occurs at a rate of 1,668.0, while property crime is reported at 3,319.0 per 100,000 residents. These figures mean that residents and visitors encounter crime at much higher frequencies than in surrounding counties. Vigilance is necessary in both residential and commercial districts.

Prioritizing Comprehensive Home Defense

In an environment with elevated property and violent crime rates, multi-layered security including cameras and reinforced locks is highly recommended. Joining a local neighborhood watch can provide extra layers of communal protection and information sharing. Active awareness of your surroundings remains the most critical safety habit.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Baltimore city. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Baltimore city residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Baltimore city, MD?

Baltimore city has a total crime rate of 4987.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (1668.0 per 100K) and property crimes (3319.0 per 100K).

Is Baltimore city, MD safe?

Baltimore city has a safety score of 2/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #24 out of 24 counties in Maryland for safety (1 = safest).

How does Baltimore city crime compare to the Maryland average?

What types of crime are most common in Baltimore city?

How is crime data measured and reported for Baltimore city?

Crime data for Baltimore city comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Baltimore city?

Baltimore city has a safety score of 2/100, which is below the Maryland average of 38/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.