College Park, MD Crime Map

Navigating safety in a city like College Park, Maryland, starts with understanding the local landscape, and our detailed College Park crime map offers a clear snapshot of where risks and security intersect. With an average crime score of 0.272, College Park earns a commendable B+ safety grade across its 12 analyzed neighborhoods. Notably, 33.3% of these neighborhoods achieve an A grade, showcasing significant areas of safety within this vibrant community of 32,221 residents. Whether you're a student at the University of Maryland, a long-time resident, or considering a move to this dynamic city in Prince George's County, having access to precise crime data can help you make informed decisions. This College Park crime map not only highlights safe zones but also points out areas where extra caution might be warranted, ensuring you can explore or settle in with greater confidence.

Understanding College Park's Safety Landscape

College Park, Maryland, is a city defined by its youthful energy and academic heart, largely due to the presence of the University of Maryland. With a median age of just 22 years and a population density of 2,217 per square mile, the city buzzes with student life and diversity. However, like many urban areas with a significant transient population, College Park safety varies by neighborhood. The College Park crime rate reflects a mixed picture—while 75% of its neighborhoods earn either an A or B grade for safety, there are pockets where vigilance is more necessary. Understanding these dynamics is key to navigating the city, whether you're walking through campus areas or exploring residential zones. Resources like the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program provide broader context on crime trends in Maryland, helping to frame local statistics within a national perspective.

The city's demographic profile also shapes its safety landscape. With 50% of residents holding a college degree and a median household income of $68,825, College Park boasts a relatively educated and economically stable population. Yet, challenges like a 25.2% poverty rate and 5% unemployment rate can contribute to localized crime issues. The College Park crime map serves as an essential tool for identifying where these socioeconomic factors might intersect with safety concerns, offering a granular view of risk across the city's 12 neighborhoods.

Safest Neighborhoods in College Park

For those seeking secure areas to live or spend time, the safest neighborhoods in College Park stand out on our College Park crime map. Leading the list is the University of Maryland area, with a population of 11,986 and a strong A- crime grade. Despite a lower median income of $23,096—likely due to its large student population—this area benefits from campus security measures and a community-focused environment. Similarly, Old Town, with a population of 1,460 and a median income of $24,905, also earns an A- grade, offering a quieter, safer enclave near the heart of the city.

Other safe neighborhoods in College Park include Berwyn Heights, boasting a B+ grade and a median income of $120,801 across its 3,295 residents, reflecting a more affluent and stable community. Downtown College Park, with a population of 1,618 and a median income of $32,629, also secures a B+ grade, making it a relatively safe hub for local activity. Rounding out the top five is Calvert Hills, another B+ area with 1,265 residents and a median income of $108,193, blending safety with a higher quality of life. These neighborhoods collectively highlight that College Park safety is achievable in diverse settings, from student-heavy zones to more established residential areas.

Exploring these safer zones on the College Park crime map can guide decisions about where to rent, buy a home, or simply spend time. Whether you're drawn to the academic vibrancy of the University area or the economic stability of Berwyn Heights, these neighborhoods offer peace of mind in a city with varied safety profiles.

Areas Requiring Greater Awareness

While much of College Park benefits from favorable safety grades, there are areas where the College Park crime rate suggests a need for heightened awareness. Neighborhoods like Berwyn District, with a C- crime grade and a population of 1,742, face more challenges, potentially tied to socioeconomic factors such as a median income of $47,512. Similarly, Lakeland, with a C grade and a smaller population of 554, reports a median income of $46,718, indicating potential economic stressors that might influence local safety.

Even in neighborhoods with slightly better grades, such as North College Park (B grade, population 6,509) and Calvert Hills (B+ grade, population 1,265), residents and visitors should remain mindful of their surroundings, especially during late hours or in less populated areas. Downtown College Park, despite its B+ grade, can also see fluctuations in safety due to its active, urban nature. The College Park crime map is an invaluable resource for identifying these zones, allowing individuals to plan routes or activities with caution in mind. It's important to note that crime in College Park in these areas doesn't define the entire city, and many incidents can be mitigated with basic safety practices like staying in well-lit areas and being aware of local surroundings.

Crime Trends and Local Factors

Understanding crime in College Park requires a closer look at both statistical trends and the unique factors shaping the city's environment. The College Park crime rate, as reflected in the average crime score of 0.272 (B+), suggests a generally safe community compared to national averages. However, the distribution of crime grades—33.3% A, 41.7% B, and 25% C—indicates variability that residents and visitors should consider. Data from sources like the Bureau of Justice Statistics can provide additional insight into how College Park's crime trends align with broader patterns in Maryland and beyond.

Several local factors influence College Park safety. The city's large student population, centered around the University of Maryland, creates a transient demographic that can affect crime rates, particularly for property crimes like theft or burglary during breaks when residences might be unoccupied. Additionally, the 25.2% poverty rate, significantly higher than the national average, can correlate with certain types of crime in less affluent areas like Lakeland or Berwyn District. On the positive side, community initiatives, campus security, and local law enforcement efforts contribute to maintaining safety in high-traffic areas like the University of Maryland neighborhood and Downtown College Park.

Seasonal trends also play a role in crime in College Park. For instance, the start and end of academic semesters often see spikes in activity—and sometimes minor incidents—due to student movement. The College Park crime map helps track these patterns, offering a visual guide to when and where extra vigilance might be needed. Staying informed about local news and community alerts can further enhance personal safety, especially in areas with lower crime grades.

Another factor to consider is the city's proximity to larger urban centers in Prince George's County and the Washington, D.C. metro area. While College Park itself maintains a relatively favorable safety profile, regional influences can occasionally impact local crime rates. For families, students, or professionals, balancing these factors with the benefits of College Park's academic and cultural offerings is key to a positive experience. The College Park crime map remains a critical tool in this process, providing clarity on where risks are higher and where safety is more assured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is College Park safe?

Overall, College Park is considered relatively safe, earning an average crime score of 0.272, which translates to a B+ grade across its 12 neighborhoods. About 75% of these neighborhoods receive either an A or B grade, indicating a strong safety profile for much of the city. Areas like the University of Maryland and Old Town are particularly secure, while some spots like Berwyn District require more caution. As with any urban area, College Park safety can vary block by block, so using tools like the College Park crime map and practicing common-sense precautions can significantly enhance personal security.

What is the crime rate in College Park?

The College Park crime rate is reflected in its average crime score of 0.272, equating to a B+ safety grade. Of the 12 neighborhoods analyzed, 33.3% (4 neighborhoods) earn an A grade, 41.7% (5 neighborhoods) receive a B grade, and 25% (3 neighborhoods) fall into the C range. This distribution suggests that while the majority of the city is safe, there are specific areas where the crime rate is higher, and awareness is advised. The College Park crime map provides a detailed breakdown to help identify these zones.

What are the safest neighborhoods in College Park?

The safest neighborhoods in College Park, based on crime grades from the College Park crime map, include the University of Maryland (A-), Old Town (A-), Berwyn Heights (B+), Downtown College Park (B+), and Calvert Hills (B+). These areas consistently show lower crime rates and offer secure environments for residents and visitors alike, whether due to community affluence, campus security, or other protective factors. If safety is a top priority, these neighborhoods are excellent starting points for exploration or relocation.

Is College Park a good place to live?

College Park can be a great place to live, particularly for students, academics, and young professionals drawn to its proximity to the University of Maryland and vibrant community atmosphere. With a median home value of $345,315 and 50% of residents holding a college degree, it offers a blend of opportunity and education. Safety-wise, 75% of neighborhoods on the College Park crime map earn A or B grades, though areas with higher crime rates exist and require caution. Balancing its academic appeal, economic diversity, and safety considerations, College Park suits many lifestyles if you choose your neighborhood wisely and stay informed about local conditions.

Exploring College Park with Confidence

College Park, Maryland, offers a unique mix of academic vibrancy, cultural richness, and diverse neighborhoods, making it a compelling place to live or visit. By leveraging the insights from the College Park crime map, you can navigate the city with greater assurance, focusing on the safest neighborhoods in College Park like the University of Maryland area or Berwyn Heights while remaining mindful in areas with higher crime rates. Whether you're a student, family, or professional, understanding the College Park crime rate and local safety trends empowers you to make informed choices. Stay proactive, keep updated on community developments, and enjoy all that College Park has to offer with confidence and peace of mind.