The Safest and Most Dangerous Cities in Maryland

Cities With the Highest Violent Crime Rates

Landover Hills comes in first for the highest violent crime rates in Maryland, with 2,231 per 100,000 people. It is a small community with roughly 1,800 residents located in Prince George’s County, known for consistently high crime.¹ There seems to be a police shortage that has contributed to a higher presence of violent crime. Domestic violence made up about one-third of the total violent crime committed in Landover Hills. While the town holds the highest violent crime rates in the state, recent numbers show the rates have been decreasing within Prince George's County.²

Baltimore was rated second at 1,572 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Like many large cities in the U.S., it’s been hit hard by declining industry and employment opportunities, and the city deals with drug trafficking, addiction, and gang activity.

Despite a high crime rate, Baltimore is an artsy city with a thriving food scene and unique character for locals and visitors to enjoy. There are unique, historic neighborhoods to explore throughout the city and along the waterfront — like Fells Point or Federal Hill — dating back to the 18th century. At the end of 2024, the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) released a report showing significant progress in the reduction of gun violence; homicides decreased by 23 percent, and nonfatal shootings dropped by 34 percent. BPD has been actively expanding its reach with new recruitment to the police force, proactive policing, and more support for its Victim Services Unit.³

Cities With the Lowest Violent Crime Rates

Ocean Pines is a waterfront community with strict HOAs that’s popular with retirees. The city has many luxury amenities like Ocean Pines Golf Club, Yacht Club, and accessible parks and trails for residents. It has the lowest violent crime rate in Maryland, 17 incidents out of 100,000 people. There are at least 12,000 full-time residents compared to its neighbor Ocean City, which is a major tourist destination. Since tourism can impact crime, the lack of it in this area is believed to be a major contributor to its low crime rates.⁴

University Park is also very low in violent crime at 42 incidents per 100,000 people. It consists of 2,300 residents and 923 single-family homes within the northwestern portion of Prince George’s County. Although Prince George’s County has some of the highest levels of violent crime in the state, University Park is a standout city. It’s a small community neighboring College Park, home to the University of Maryland.

Cities With the Highest Property Crime Rates

Takoma Park rates for property crime are 5,737 per 100,000 people, making it the highest in the state. The community is also known as “Azalea City” due to its many flowering azalea bushes blooming in spring. Residents enjoy Old Town and its live music, art, and restaurants. Overall, it’s a pleasant place to be, but shifting juvenile laws, societal issues, and drugs seem to factor into these high property crime numbers. Most property crimes occur in a small area of Takoma Park, in Ward 6. Police have increased patrols in the area as a deterrent.^5,6

Greenbelt’s numbers are close behind Takoma Park at 5,566 per 100,000 people. It’s a suburb of Washington, D.C., and is located within Prince George’s County. It’s in close proximity to major employers like the Goddard Space Flight Center of NASA and the University of Maryland. The community and county in general have experienced rapid growth in the last decade. Reported crime has risen 81.8 percent between 2012 and 2023. The most commonly reported crime in Greenbelt has been larceny.⁷

Lowest Property Crime Rates

Pittsville is a rural, family-friendly town just east of Salisbury, Maryland. It is deeply rooted in agriculture and the railroad industry. It has the lowest amount of property crimes in Maryland, with just 61 crimes per 100,000 people. Being rural, it has the advantage of being a “know everyone” kind of town. It has a population of about 1,700 people.

Manchester is also low in property crime at 109 incidents per 100,000 people. Located in northeastern Maryland, it has a population of 5,500 people. It has above-average schools and tends to be popular with families or young professionals commuting into Baltimore for work.⁸

Statewide Crime Trends Analysis

Out of all 50 states, Maryland had the 13th-highest violent crime rate and the 15th-highest property crime rate. Violent crime in Maryland is 17 percent above the national average, with a seven percent year-over-year change. Property crime is eight percent above the national average, with a significant 26.6 percent year-over-year change. While burglary and larceny are lower than the national average, vehicle theft is a whopping 71.8 percent higher. Robbery is 96.5 percent higher than the national average, as is murder at 45.6 percent.

Property crime rates (per 100,000 residents)

A shortage of law enforcement, a decline of public trust in law enforcement, gang activity, poverty, unemployment, and drug use are all contributors to the continued state of crime in Maryland. There’s not one direct reason for crime that has been present for many years. Laws have changed over the last decade, making it more difficult to prosecute a felony charge for theft depending on the cash value of the item.

Violent crime rates (per 100,000 residents)

Laws surrounding the conviction or interrogation of juveniles have also thrown wrenches into policing. Many violent crimes go unsolved, furthering a lack of trust in the overall policing system. Despite this, Maryland remains a resilient state with good people trying to encourage change. Youth engagement, community development, and reforming policing strategies to rebuild trust in the communities have been a constant focus.⁹