Maryland is a state known for its rich history, diverse communities, and scenic landscapes. From the waterfront neighborhoods along the Chesapeake Bay to the vibrant streets of Baltimore and the state’s many historic towns, Maryland offers residents a unique blend of culture, education, and economic opportunity.
Like every state, however, Maryland experiences varying crime rates from one community to another. While many cities and towns remain safe places to live, work, and visit, some municipalities report higher-than-average violent crime rates based on annual law enforcement data.
Quick Guide
- State: Maryland
- Region: Mid-Atlantic, United States
- Ranking Based On: Violent crimes per 100,000 residents
- Includes: Assault, robbery, rape, and homicide
- Best For: Residents researching relocation, travelers, and safety-conscious visitors
- Important Note: Crime rates can vary significantly between neighborhoods, and many parts of these cities remain safe and vibrant.
- Source: areavibes
This ranking highlights the 10 cities in Maryland with the highest reported violent crime rates per 100,000 residents. The figures are intended to provide context rather than define an entire community. Crime levels can differ significantly between neighborhoods, and many of these cities continue investing in public safety initiatives, community policing, and crime prevention programs.
10. Hagerstown
- Population: 40,940
- 714 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 1.96
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 140
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,177
Rounding out our list at #10 is Hagerstown, MD. With a population of 40,940 and a violent crime rate of 714 per 100,000 people (70% higher than the Maryland average), some parts of Hagerstown are incredible unsafe.
The violent crime rate consists of 409 counts of assault, 223 counts of robbery, 73 counts of rape and 9 counts of homicide. Residents can expect to have a 1 in 140 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
9. District Heights
- Population: 6,150
- 780 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.14
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 128
- Total Crimes / 100k: 2,461
Economic conditions, education, social environment, law enforcement and urbanization can all have an impact on crime rates. Feeling the effects of most of those issues, District Heights, MD comes in as the 9th most dangerous city in Maryland with a violent crime rate of 780 per 100,000 people.
If we break that down, the city sees 2.14 violent crimes per day and residents have a 1 in 128 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
8. Mount Rainier
- Population: 8,475
- 782 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.14
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 128
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,414
Mount Rainier, MD is another one of the most dangerous cities in Maryland and tops the list at #8. The city has a population of 8,475 and a violent crime rate of 782 per 100,000 people.
Of those crimes, there were 397 counts of assault, 298 counts of robbery, 50 counts of rape and 37 counts of homicide. All told, the Mount Rainier violent crime rate is 86% higher than the Maryland average.
7. Annapolis
- Population: 40,873
- 808 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.22
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 124
- Total Crimes / 100k: 2,903
A 1 in 124 chance of becoming a victim of crime and 2.22 violent crimes per day – those are some fairly good reasons why Annapolis makes the list at #7.
According to the most recent annual crime report, there were 808 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which translates to a violent crime rate that is 92% higher than the Maryland average. The number of violent crimes takes into account the following categories: assault (541), robbery (171), rape (89) and homicide (7).
6. Salisbury
- Population: 33,988
- 955 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.62
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 105
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,960
Salisbury, MD comes in at number 6 on our list, with a violent crime rate of 955 per 100,000 people, which is 127% higher than the Maryland average. Salisbury has a population of 33,988, which translates to 2.62 crimes per day and 1 in 105 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
As with most cities, a high violent crime rate does not mean that all areas are unsafe, as there are definitely some areas in Salisbury which are much safer than others.
5. Bladensburg
- Population: 9,756
- 970 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.66
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 103
- Total Crimes / 100k: 4,487
The ongoing battle with crime in Bladensburg, MD, is not a new issue – which is why there’s no surprise that this city has made the list. With a violent crime rate of 970 and a 1 in 103 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (per 100,000 people), Bladensburg has a violent crime rate that is 131% higher than the Maryland average.
Higher than average poverty and unemployment rates as well as a lack of available well-paying jobs, are most likely all contributing to the high rate of violent crime in Bladensburg.
4. Ocean City
- Population: 7,122
- 980 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.69
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 102
- Total Crimes / 100k: 9,787
With a violent crime rate that is 133% higher than the Maryland average, it’s not hard to see why Ocean City made the list. The city reported crime (per 100,000 residents) in the following categories: robbery (58), assault (749), rape (173) and homicide (0).
In regions where employment opportunities are scarce or where many jobs offer insufficient wages, the risk of increased unemployment and homelessness rises, this could be just some of the triggers that make Ocean City more vulnerable to high crime.
3. Riverdale Park
- Population: 7,497
- 985 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.70
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 102
- Total Crimes / 100k: 3,896
Home to 7,497 residents, Riverdale Park, MD ranks #3 on the list of most dangerous cities in Maryland. Unfortunately for residents of Riverdale Park, crime is widespread, with more than 985 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported last year.
When the numbers are analyzed, this translates to a staggering 2.70 crimes per day and a violent crime rate that is 134% higher than the Maryland violent crime rate.
2. Elkton
- Population: 16,222
- 1,080 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 2.96
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 93
- Total Crimes / 100k: 6,312
The second most dangerous city is Elkton. With a population of 16,222 and a violent crime rate that is 157% higher than the Maryland average, the city has seen better days.
The higher than average crime rates in Elkton are not new, as violent crime has been a serious issue for many years and topped 1,080 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the last calendar year. In some areas, the riks are greater than others, as residents have a 1 in 93 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
1. Baltimore
- Population: 621,744
- 1,606 violent crimes per 100k
- violent crimes per day: 4.40
- chance of being a victim: 1 in 62
- Total Crimes / 100k: 5,763
Baltimore, MD holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in Maryland with 1,606 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (941), robbery (573), rape (58) and homicide (35) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 282% higher than the Maryland average.
Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.
Final Thoughts
Crime statistics provide valuable insight into public safety, but they do not tell the full story of any community. Many of the cities on this list have neighborhoods with low crime, active community organizations, thriving businesses, and ongoing redevelopment projects.
Anyone considering relocating should review multiple factors—including employment opportunities, schools, housing costs, neighborhood-specific crime trends, and local quality of life—before making a decision. Staying informed through official crime reports and local government resources can help residents and visitors make well-informed choices.
