Maryland is a small state on the mid-Atlantic coast and home to the famous Chesapeake Bay.
This state is the fifth densest and is surrounded by several states, and Washington, DC.
Annapolis is the state capital and home to the United States Naval Academy as well as St. John’s College, founded at the end of the 17th century.
The state’s largest city is Baltimore, a port city that was once the second-largest incoming port for immigrants.
Baltimore is also home to the Johns Hopkins University, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and the National Federation for the Blind.
Contents
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Maryland
There are more than 500 cities in Maryland.
The following represent some of the more dangerous places based on various crime rate statistics.
Baltimore (Baltimore County)
Population – 576,498 (2021).
Violent Crime Rate – 15.66 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime Rate – 30.39 per 1,000 residents.
Baltimore is a large urban metropolis in Maryland and home to the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens.
The violent crime rate in Charm City is about four times the state and national violent crime average.
With a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a property crime victim, Baltimore residents are four times more likely to face property damage than those living in other Maryland towns and cities.
Higher crime areas in Baltimore include Orangeville, Monument Street, Cheery Hill, Greenmount East, and more.
Ocean City (Worcester County)
Population – 6,900 (2021).
Violent Crime Rate – 11.88 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime Rate –81.30 per 1,000 residents.
Ocean City is among Maryland’s most popular tourist destinations due to its remarkable beaches.
This coastal city attracts many millions of beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and tourists yearly.
Because of its preference as a vacation spot, it is also a hot spot for certain types of criminal activity.
Violent crime in Ocean City is about three times the national and state average.
Property crime statistics exceed state averages by more than five times.
The crime per square mile in Ocean City is nearly six times the national average.
Salisbury (Wicomico County)
Population – 32,930 (2021).
Violent Crime Rate – 8.81 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime Rate –36.02 per 1,000 residents.
Salisbury is recognized to be the largest city in the eastern part of Maryland.
The city is located near the Wicomico River and is among the fastest-growing cities in the country.
Salisbury has performed as the commercial hub for the Delmarva (Delaware-Maryland-Virginia) Peninsula, with violent crime rates that are double the state and national average.
Salisbury’s crime per square mile is 2.5 times the state of Maryland’s average.
Cambridge (Dorchester County)
Population – 13,097 (2021).
Violent Crime Rate – 8.93 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime Rate – 41.46 per 1,000 residents.
Cambridge is a small-sized city on Maryland’s eastern shore region.
Its violent and property crime rates exceed state averages, so if you visit, stay mindful and aware while enjoying the sights.
Most crimes in this small city occur in the central section of Cambridge.
The crime per square mile in Cambridge is 50% higher than Maryland’s average crime per square mile and more than twice the national average.
Elkton (Cecil County)
Population – 15,791 (2021).
Violent Crime Rate – 8.68 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime Rate – 51.80 per 1,000 residents.
Elkton is an old city that is on the original Philadelphia route.
It is along the Elk River, which flows to the Chesapeake.
The violent crime rate in Elkton is twice the national and state average, with property crime more than three times the Maryland state average.
The less safe neighborhoods, like Heritage Valley, are located to the south and east of Elton’s downtown and should be avoided when traveling alone at night.
Cumberland (Allegheny County)
Population – 18,736 (2021).
Violent Crime Rate – 7.26 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime Rate – 29.25 per 1,000 residents.
Cumberland, which was once used as a military outpost used by George Washington, is now a regional business/commercial center in Western Maryland.
Cumberland is located on the Potomac River, which makes it strategic for the transportation industry.
Cumberland was once the second-largest city in Maryland.
Cumberland’s violent and property crime rates exceed state and national crime statistics.
Cumberland’s overall crime rate is among the worst in Maryland.
Bladensburg (Prince George’s County)
Population – 9,625 (2021).
Violent Crime Rate – 5.46 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime Rate – 27.09 per 1,000 residents.
Bladensburg is a small town located less than 10 miles from the nation’s capital.
The town is rich in history but also has its share of above-average crime rates compared to the rest of the state and nation.
The town of Bladensburg has a fantastic park dedicated to the site of a War of 1812 battle.
Both property and violent crime rates in Bladensburg tend to exceed state averages, with assault and larceny rates above the national average.
La Plata (Charles County)
Population – 10,404 (2021).
Violent Crime Rate – 4.42 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime Rate – 25.47 per 1,000 residents.
La Plata is a small city in the southern part of the state.
La Plata is situated in close proximity to the nation’s capital.
La Plata is mostly a residential community, although the Mount Carmel Monastery and The College of Southern Maryland are located in the city.
In southern Maryland, not far from Washington, D.C. Violent crime in La Plata is a bit above the state average, whereas property crime is near twice the state level.
Laurel (Prince George’s County)
Population – 29,490 (2021).
Violent Crime Rate – 4.07 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime Rate – 27.64 per 1,000 residents.
Laurel is a small city with a population in south Maryland, situated about halfway between Washington, DC, and Baltimore.
While once a mill town, Laurel is now primarily a bedroom community for Baltimore and DC workers.
Property crime is near twice the state average, where someone in Laurel has a one in 16 chance to be a property crime victim.
Hyattsville (Prince George’s County)
Population – 20,873 (2021).
Violent Crime Rate – 3.69 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime Rate – 48.05 per 1,000 residents.
Hyattsville is close to Washington, D.C., and is among the many popular local tourist attractions.
It offers great history, but when it comes to property theft, Hyattsville’s crime rate significantly exceeds the state as well as the national average, with a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a property crime victim in Hyattsville.
The crimes per square mile for Hyattsville – at 401/square mile, is nearly ten times the state average.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Maryland
- Depending on the exact time of year that you travel to Maryland, choose the appropriate clothing. In the summer, make sure you have sunscreen, a hat, and cool clothing. In the winter, the weather can turn cold and snowy for days.
- Be prepared if you are spending time outdoors in one of the beautiful Connecticut parks. Insects and ticks live in the woods and tall grassy areas. So when hiking in those areas, wear clothing and tick/bug-repellent while enjoying the scenery and natural beauty of the state.
- Check some of the 400+ wineries in the state – but choose a designated driver ahead of time. The state offers a variety of delicious wines and even a few Maryland Wine Trails.
- Heading to the beach? Leave early and plan to stay late. The Bay Bridge bottleneck traffic can be avoided if choosing to travel off hours.
- The Chesapeake Bay is an amazing and beautiful natural wonder, but don’t forget the bug spray. The wetlands that surround the Chesapeake offer refuge and a home to a tremendous variety of birds, plants, mammals, and other wildlife. This also includes mosquitos, which can be headed off if you spray a natural repellent before heading out to the bay.
Maryland Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Maryland Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is one of the most famous foods in the state of Maryland?
Maryland is best known for its blue crabs, and until you have grabbed a mallet and enjoyed a few dozen, you haven’t really experienced true Maryland.
Can you surf in Ocean City or other locations along Maryland’s coast?
The best waves for surfing off the coast of Maryland are in winter months, so in addition to a surfboard, you need a thick wetsuit due to the Atlantic water’s temperature at that time of year.
Of the 12,407 square miles that cover the state, how much of this area is covered by water?
There are more than 2,600 square miles of water within the state of Maryland’s boundaries – about 21% of the state’s total land area.
Waldorf isn’t on this list but La Plata is?
The City of Baltimore, rightfully named as the most dangerous city in Maryland.
Ocean City Md. Seriously
Curious I grew up in OC in the 50 and sixty’s. What did you mean when you said seriously? Because it’s so dangerous now. Thanks