Ferndale, MD Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Ferndale, MD

Is Ferndale, MD safe?

Ferndale earns an overall crime grade of C, which places it in a moderate safety tier — neither among Maryland's most dangerous communities nor its safest. With a population of roughly 17,732 and a population density of 1,730 residents per square mile, crime exposure is comparable to many mid-sized Baltimore County suburbs. Property crimes — particularly vehicle theft and burglary — tend to drive the overall grade more than violent incidents. Residents generally report feeling comfortable during daylight hours, though standard precautions (locking vehicles, securing doors, staying aware of surroundings at night) remain advisable. The community's relatively low poverty rate of 9.2% and a median household income of $74,226 are positive socioeconomic indicators that correlate with lower crime risk over time.

What is the crime rate in Ferndale, MD?

Ferndale's crime profile earns a composite letter grade of C for 2026, reflecting a moderate level of criminal activity relative to comparable Maryland communities. Property crime is the dominant category, accounting for the majority of reported incidents — theft from vehicles and residential burglaries are the most frequently logged offense types. Violent crime incidents, while tracked, represent a smaller share of total reports and occur at rates lower than those seen in denser urban areas like Baltimore City. The 5% unemployment rate and a median home value of $255,760 suggest a relatively stable economic base, which research consistently links to suppressed crime rates. Residents should consult the Baltimore County Police Department's crime mapping portal for the most current incident-level breakdowns by offense type and date.

What are the safest areas in Ferndale, MD?

Within Ferndale, safety levels tend to vary by proximity to major transit corridors and commercial strips, where opportunistic property crimes are more common. Residential pockets with higher owner-occupancy rates and active neighborhood watch participation — characteristics often found in quieter cul-de-sac developments away from Route 648 and Ferndale Road — historically log fewer incidents per capita. Areas with newer housing stock and median home values at or above the community average of $255,760 tend to report lower burglary rates. For the most granular, address-level safety data, the interactive crime map on this page lets you filter by offense type and time range, giving you a data-driven view of specific blocks rather than relying on general reputation alone.

Is Ferndale, MD a good place to live?

By most quantitative measures, Ferndale presents a solid case for livability. The median household income of $74,226 sits above many surrounding communities, and the poverty rate of 9.2% is meaningfully below Maryland's statewide average of roughly 9.9%. Median rent of $1,499 per month and a median home value of $255,760 offer relative affordability compared to the broader Baltimore metro market. The 5% unemployment rate tracks closely with national benchmarks, suggesting a healthy local labor market. Against that backdrop, the C crime grade is the primary caveat — it signals that property crime, in particular, warrants attention. Families and professionals who prioritize community stability, reasonable housing costs, and access to Baltimore employment centers generally find Ferndale competitive, provided they factor the moderate crime environment into their decision and take routine precautions to protect their property.

How does Ferndale's crime compare to the rest of Maryland?

Ferndale's C overall crime grade places it in the middle tier when benchmarked against Maryland municipalities of similar size and density. It performs better than densely populated urban centers — where violent crime grades frequently fall to D or F — but trails smaller, lower-density suburbs that consistently earn B or A grades. The community's socioeconomic profile offers context: a median household income of $74,226, a 9.2% poverty rate, and 1,730 residents per square mile collectively suggest crime pressures that are real but manageable. Property crime rates are the key differentiator pulling the grade toward the center; if property crime were excluded, Ferndale's violent crime profile would likely score in the B range. Monitoring the crime map regularly and comparing year-over-year trend data is the best way to track whether Ferndale's grade improves or declines heading into 2027.