Several factors could be contributing to the high crime rates in these Maryland cities. It’s often a combination of issues such as job scarcity, low wages, a lack of motivation to work, prisons that may contribute to a higher criminal population, drug issues, gang activity, and proximity to larger cities that may inadvertently spread their problems into surrounding areas.
We can’t pinpoint the precise cause, but what we do know is that Ocean City is currently deemed the most dangerous city in Maryland.
The cities featured on our list of the most dangerous places in Maryland could certainly benefit from some care and attention. If you’re someone seeking to make a positive impact or are simply curious about whether your city made the cut, read on. And if you don’t find your city here, scroll to the end.
Top 10 Most Riskiest Places to Live in 2024
| Rank | City | Population | Violent Crimes per 100k | Property Crimes per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ocean City | 6,905 | 1,317 | 10,427 |
| 2 | Elkton | 15,662 | 964 | 6,633 |
| 3 | Cambridge | 12,264 | 970 | 5,373 |
| 4 | Baltimore | 597,239 | 1,858 | 4,311 |
| 5 | Cumberland | 19,321 | 781 | 4,497 |
| 6 | Salisbury | 32,988 | 735 | 4,296 |
| 7 | Bladensburg | 9,371 | 930 | 4,235 |
| 8 | Hyattsville | 18,242 | 680 | 3,840 |
| 9 | Hagerstown | 40,152 | 652 | 4,165 |
| 10 | Aberdeen | 16,053 | 618 | 3,487 |
10. Aberdeen
Rounding out the list is Aberdeen, known for the renowned Aberdeen Proving Ground, a U.S. Army installation. But Aberdeen is proving something else too: its high crime rates.
Although its violent crime rate is comparatively lower, residents have a 1 in 29 chance of being the victim of property crime. This seems to mar the city’s charm, overshadowing its picturesque location on the Chesapeake Bay.
| City | Population | Violent Crimes per 100k | Property Crimes per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 16,053 | 618 | 3,487 |
9.Hagerstown
In the heart of the beautiful Washington County, Hagerstown offers a vibrant arts scene and picturesque parks. However, don’t let this charm distract you from the city’s crime issues.
Although Hagerstown’s violent crime rate is lower than other cities on this list, property crime is worryingly high. With a 1 in 24 chance of being a victim, residents have good reason to invest in home security systems.
| City | Population | Violent Crimes per 100k | Property Crimes per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown | 40,152 | 652 | 4,165 |
8. Hyattsville
Hyattsville, a charming city on the outskirts of Washington D.C., isn’t exactly the haven it appears to be. This city faces significant crime rates, particularly in terms of property crime, which is higher here than most of Maryland.
Despite its thriving arts district and local restaurants, residents have a 1 in 26 chance of being the victim of property crime. Hyattsville isn’t all bad news, though, as the rate of violent crimes is a little lower than in other cities on this list.
| City | Population | Violent Crimes per 100k | Property Crimes per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyattsville | 18,242 | 680 | 3,840 |
7. Bladensburg
Just outside of the capital, you’ll find Bladensburg. Despite its prime location and rich history, it’s unfortunately known for a less favorable statistic: crime. This city has one of the highest violent crime rates in the state, with residents facing a 1 in 107 chance of being a victim.
Property crime isn’t much better, and you have a 1 in 24 chance of falling victim to it. Despite this, Bladensburg holds a certain allure with its close proximity to Washington, D.C.
| City | Population | Violent Crimes per 100k | Property Crimes per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bladensburg | 9,371 | 930 | 4,235 |
6. Salisbury
Located on Maryland’s scenic Eastern Shore, Salisbury might seem like a charming place to call home. But don’t let its seemingly peaceful exterior fool you. Unfortunately, the crime rates here indicate a different reality.
Salisbury ranked seventh for violent crime, with its residents having a 1 in 136 chance of being the victim of a violent act in 2020. Property crime is also a cause for concern, making up a considerable portion of the total crime in Salisbury.
Home to the Salisbury University, it might be worth considering the off-campus housing if you plan to attend.
| City | Population | Violent Crimes per 100k | Property Crimes per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salisbury | 32,988 | 735 | 4,296 |
5. Cumberland
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Known as the terminus of the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile bike trail leading to Pittsburgh, Cumberland has its own challenges. Its residents faced a 1 in 22 chance of being a victim of property crime in 2020, marking the third highest burglary rate in the state.
Furthermore, Cumberland’s metro area is among the poorest in the country in terms of per capita income, possibly contributing to its high crime rates.
| City | Population | Violent Crimes per 100k | Property Crimes per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland | 19,321 | 781 | 4,497 |
4. Baltimore
Many might have expected Baltimore to top this list. Its nickname, Bodymore, Murderland, accurately reflects its reputation for violent crime. In 2020, Baltimore reported 348 murders, making it the city with the highest murder rate in Maryland.
However, it’s important to remember that Baltimore is a large city with plenty of safe neighborhoods. Still, even in areas like the Inner Harbor, you should be vigilant as Baltimore reported 25,748 property crimes in 2020, including more than ten car thefts per day on average.
| City | Population | Violent Crimes per 100k | Property Crimes per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 597,239 | 1,858 | 4,311 |
3. Cambridge
The third most dangerous city in Maryland is Cambridge, a city of 12,264 located on the Chesapeake Bay. Cambridge reported the highest rate of rape cases in the state in 2020, averaging almost one per month. The city also reported two murders and ranks third for overall violent crime.
Despite the allure of a leisurely walk on Cambridge’s mile-long boardwalk, caution is advised due to the city’s fourth highest property crime rate.
| City | Population | Violent Crimes per 100k | Property Crimes per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | 12,264 | 970 | 5,373 |
2. Elkton
Nestled on the northeastern coast of Maryland, Elkton is ironically dubbed “The Elopement Capital of the East Coast.” Unfortunately, hasty marriages are not the only regrettable choices being made in Elkton. The town’s crime rate is the second highest in the state.
In 2020, there were 877 recorded cases of larceny. Furthermore, about one car theft occurred per week, on average. Elkton also ranked fourth in the state for violent crimes.
| City | Population | Violent Crimes per 100k | Property Crimes per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elkton | 15,662 | 964 | 6,633 |
1. Ocean City
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It might come as a surprise that Ocean City, a popular summer tourist destination known for its beach and boardwalk, tops the list as the most dangerous city in Maryland for 2024. The eight million annual tourists greatly inflate the “crime per capita” statistics, but the fact remains that Ocean City has the highest rate of property crime in Maryland. Residents have a 1 in 9 chance of being a victim of theft or property damage.
There were also 91 reported cases of violent crime in 2020. Perhaps if there were fewer attractions in Ocean City, crime rates would decrease.
- If you want to check more articles on Maryland look here.
Methodology
Each year, the FBI publishes two datasets relating to crime: an initial dataset restricted to the largest cities in the country, and a more comprehensive dataset released at the year’s end.
In our study, we utilized the most recent data from the FBI’s 2020 Crime In The United States Report. The findings will be updated when the new data becomes available in September 2024.
The criteria used for our analysis were:
- Violent Crimes Per Capita
- Property Crimes Per Capita
To ensure a fair comparison, we only took into account Maryland cities with a population exceeding 5,000, resulting in a total of 36 cities.
Each city was ranked from 1 to 36 for both criteria, with a #1 ranking indicating the highest level of danger associated with that criteria.
Subsequently, we calculated an average of the two rankings to create a “Dangerous Index“.
In the final step, all cities were ranked based on the “Dangerous Index”, with the city having the lowest index (Ocean City in this case) deemed the most dangerous in Maryland. In the event of a tie, the city with the smaller population was ranked higher.
Factors Influencing High Crime Rates in Maryland
Job scarcity and low wages
One of the factors that can contribute to higher crime rates in Maryland is job scarcity and low wages. When communities face limited job opportunities and low wages, individuals may become more desperate and resort to criminal activities to meet their financial needs. Unemployment and underemployment can create a sense of hopelessness and increase the likelihood of individuals turning to crime as a means of survival.
Lack of motivation to work
A lack of motivation to work can also be a contributing factor to high crime rates. This could be attributed to various factors such as a lack of educational opportunities, limited access to job training programs, or a perception that legal employment does not provide sufficient benefits or rewards. When individuals lack the motivation to seek legitimate employment, they may be more prone to engaging in criminal behavior.
Drug issues and substance abuse
Drug issues and substance abuse play a significant role in driving crime rates in many communities across Maryland. Substance abuse can lead to addiction, which often results in individuals resorting to illegal activities to obtain drugs or funds to support their addiction. The drug trade itself can fuel violence and contribute to other criminal activities such as theft, burglary, and drug-related offenses.
Gang activist
Gang activity is another factor that contributes to high crime rates in Maryland. Gangs can establish a strong presence in certain communities, leading to increased violence, drug trafficking, and other criminal behaviors. Gangs often engage in territorial disputes, which can result in violence and pose a threat to the safety and security of residents in affected areas.
Proximity to larger cities and spillover effects
The proximity of certain cities in Maryland to larger metropolitan areas can also contribute to higher crime rates. Spillover effects occur when crime from larger cities spills over into surrounding areas, impacting neighboring communities.
Criminal networks may expand their activities into nearby regions, leading to an increase in crime rates. Additionally, individuals seeking to escape the high cost of living in larger cities may move to nearby areas, potentially bringing with them criminal behavior and contributing to higher crime rates.
Addressing these factors
Addressing these factors requires a multifaceted approach that involves various stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement, community organizations, and residents. Some strategies that can be implemented to combat high crime rates in Maryland include:
- Increasing job opportunities and promoting economic development in underserved areas.
- Enhancing access to education and vocational training programs to improve employment prospects and motivation to work.
- Implementing effective substance abuse prevention and treatment programs to address drug issues.
- Enhancing law enforcement efforts to combat gang activity and disrupt criminal networks.
- Improving community engagement and fostering partnerships between residents, community organizations, and law enforcement to promote safety and prevent crime.
- Investing in social services, youth programs, and community resources to provide positive alternatives for individuals at risk of engaging in criminal behavior.
By addressing these underlying factors and implementing targeted interventions, communities in Maryland can work towards reducing crime rates and creating safer environments for their residents.
Also read: Maryland Venomous Snakes
FAQ
Why is Baltimore, despite its size, not the most dangerous city in Maryland?
Although Baltimore has a significant crime problem, with the highest murder rate in Maryland, it’s not the most dangerous city overall when considering both violent and property crimes. For instance, while Baltimore reported 348 murders in 2020 and has areas that warrant caution. Maryland also has plenty of safe cities, suggesting a disparity in crime rates throughout the city.
What kind of crimes are most common in Elkton, MD?
In Elkton, property crimes, particularly larceny, are the most common. In 2020, the town recorded 877 cases of larceny and roughly one car theft per week. It also ranked fourth in the state for violent crimes, so although property crimes are more common, violent crime is still a significant issue in Elkton.
How does the crime rate in Salisbury, MD compare to other cities in Maryland?
Salisbury is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and it ranks as the sixth most dangerous city in the state. It is particularly known for its violent crime rate, with residents having a 1 in 136 chance of being a victim of a violent act in 2020. Property crime also constitutes a significant portion of Salisbury’s overall crime rate.
Why is Cumberland, MD considered dangerous, and what kind of crimes are prevalent there?
Cumberland ranks fifth in terms of dangerous cities in Maryland. The main type of crime in Cumberland is property crime, with residents facing a 1 in 22 chance of being victims in 2020. This city reported the third highest burglary rate in the state. The high crime rate may be linked to Cumberland’s economic status, as its metro area is among the poorest in the country in terms of per capita income.
What are the crime rates in Bladensburg, MD?
Bladensburg, located just outside the capital, is the seventh most dangerous city in Maryland. It has one of the highest violent crime rates in the state, with residents facing a 1 in 107 chance of being a victim. Property crime is also high, with a 1 in 24 chance of falling victim.
How does the crime rate in Hyattsville, MD compare to other cities?
Hyattsville, located on the outskirts of Washington D.C., has significant property crime rates that are higher than most of Maryland. Despite its appealing arts district and local restaurants, residents have a 1 in 26 chance of being the victim of property crime. The rate of violent crimes in Hyattsville, however, is a little lower than in other cities on this list.
How safe is Hagerstown, MD?
Hagerstown, despite its vibrant arts scene and picturesque parks, has some crime issues. Its violent crime rate is lower than other cities on this list, but property crime is worryingly high. Residents have a 1 in 24 chance of being a victim of property crime, suggesting the need for home security measures.
What is the crime situation in Aberdeen, MD?
Aberdeen, known for the Aberdeen Proving Ground, a U.S. Army installation, unfortunately, also has high crime rates. Its violent crime rate is comparatively lower, but residents have a 1 in 29 chance of being the victim of property crime, marring the city’s appeal and overshadowing its picturesque location on the Chesapeake Bay.
Conclusion
The analysis of crime statistics in Maryland reveals several cities that experience higher crime rates compared to others. Factors contributing to the high crime rates in these cities can include job scarcity, low wages, a lack of motivation to work, drug issues, gang activity, and proximity to larger cities that may spread their problems into surrounding areas. However, it’s important to note that these factors are not exclusive to the mentioned cities and may vary in their impact.
Ocean City, a popular tourist destination, ranks as the most dangerous city in Maryland due to its high property crime rate. Elkton follows closely as the second most dangerous city, with significant incidents of larceny and car thefts. Cambridge ranks third, reporting the highest rate of rape cases in the state and notable overall violent crime.
