Charles County Crime & Safety

Charles County, Maryland

Safety Score

37/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1452.4

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

312.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1139.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

37/100

Higher = safer

State avg 38/100

State Safety Rank

#12

of 24 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Charles County, Maryland

Charles County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

With a safety score of 97.7, Charles County is significantly more secure than the average American community. Its total crime rate of 1452.4 per 100,000 residents sits well below the national average of 2,385.5.

A Strong Performer in the Old Line State

The county's safety score exceeds the Maryland state average of 97.4. Residents experience total crime at a rate 11% lower than the statewide average of 1638.3 per 100,000 people.

Comparing Safety Across Southern Maryland

Charles County maintains a lower crime rate than Montgomery County, which reports 1653.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. However, it faces more activity than neighboring Frederick County, where the rate drops to 1197.9.

Property Concerns Lead the Local Crime Profile

Property crime makes up the majority of local incidents with 1139.9 offenses per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate of 312.5 is nearly identical to the Maryland state average of 311.8.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Charles County Home

Most local incidents involve property, making visible deterrents like video doorbells highly effective. Stay vigilant by securing all entry points and keeping outdoor areas well-lit at night.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Charles County, MD?

Charles County has a total crime rate of 1452.4 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (312.5 per 100K) and property crimes (1139.9 per 100K).

Is Charles County, MD safe?

Charles County has a safety score of 37/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #12 out of 24 counties in Maryland for safety (1 = safest).

How does Charles County crime compare to the Maryland average?

The county's safety score exceeds the Maryland state average of 97.4. Residents experience total crime at a rate 11% lower than the statewide average of 1638.3 per 100,000 people.

What types of crime are most common in Charles County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Charles County?

Crime data for Charles County 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 Charles County?

Charles County has a safety score of 37/100, 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.