Laurel, MD Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Laurel, MD

Is Laurel, MD safe?

Yes — Laurel earns an overall city-wide safety rating of B (Safe) based on analysis of five neighborhoods. Every single neighborhood studied received either an A or B grade, meaning 100% of analyzed areas fall in the safe tier. Specifically, 40% of neighborhoods (West Laurel and Scaggsville) earned A-range grades, while the remaining 60% (Maryland City, North Laurel, and South Laurel) landed in the B range. No neighborhood received a C, D, or F. That clean sweep across all five areas is a strong indicator that Laurel compares favorably to many similarly sized cities in the Mid-Atlantic region.

What is the crime rate in Laurel, MD?

Laurel carries an overall crime grade of C- at the city level — a figure that reflects broader municipal data including commercial corridors and high-traffic zones. However, when you look at the residential neighborhood breakdown, the picture is notably better: all five analyzed neighborhoods score in the A or B range. West Laurel (Grade A) and Scaggsville (Grade A-) are the standout performers, while Maryland City (B+), North Laurel (B+), and South Laurel (B) round out the list. The gap between the city-level C- and the neighborhood-level grades suggests that crime is not evenly distributed — residents who choose higher-rated neighborhoods experience meaningfully lower risk than the city-wide average implies.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Laurel, MD?

Based on 2026 data, the five safest neighborhoods in Laurel are:

1. West Laurel — Grade A: The top-ranked neighborhood, with a population of about 3,319 and a median household income of $167,969 — the highest of any area analyzed. Its lower density and higher income levels correlate strongly with its A rating.
2. Scaggsville — Grade A-: Home to roughly 27,675 residents and a median income of $146,733, Scaggsville combines a large population with a near-top safety grade, making it one of the most accessible safe communities in the area.
3. Maryland City — Grade B+: With 17,299 residents and a median income of $118,266, Maryland City offers a solid B+ safety profile and is a popular choice for families seeking a balance of affordability and security.
4. North Laurel — Grade B+: A smaller community of about 3,336 residents with a median income of $144,832, North Laurel matches Maryland City's B+ grade while offering a quieter, lower-density environment.
5. South Laurel — Grade B: The largest neighborhood analyzed at 27,323 residents, South Laurel earns a B grade with a median income of $98,106. While it ranks fifth among the five, a B is still firmly in the safe tier.

Notably, zero neighborhoods received a grade below B, which is uncommon for a city of Laurel's density and size.

Is Laurel a good place to live in 2026?

Laurel presents a compelling case for prospective residents. The city's population of 25,734 lives at a density of about 2,063 people per square mile — urban enough for amenities, but not so dense that it drives crime into every corner. The median household income of $80,255 sits comfortably above the national median, and the median home value of $281,593 offers relative affordability compared to nearby Washington, D.C. and Baltimore markets. Median rent of $1,611 reflects a competitive but manageable housing market. On the economic side, an unemployment rate of 5.7% and a poverty rate of 9.7% are worth monitoring, though neither is alarming by regional standards. Factor in that 100% of analyzed neighborhoods grade as safe (A or B), and Laurel shapes up as a well-rounded choice for families, remote workers, and commuters looking for a community between two major metros.

Which Laurel neighborhood has the highest crime?

Among the five neighborhoods analyzed, South Laurel carries the lowest safety grade at B — still a safe rating, but the weakest of the group. With a population of 27,323 and a median income of $98,106, it is the most densely populated area studied, and higher density often correlates with more reported incidents. That said, a B grade means South Laurel is still classified as safe — it simply warrants a bit more awareness compared to top-rated areas like West Laurel or Scaggsville. North Laurel also grades at B+, which is the second-lowest, though that distinction is minor given how tightly clustered all five grades are.

How does Laurel's safety compare to other Maryland cities?

Laurel's neighborhood-level performance — where 40% of areas earn an A grade and 60% earn a B grade — puts it in a favorable position relative to many Maryland municipalities. The city's location between two major urban centers (Washington, D.C. and Baltimore) means it benefits from suburban infrastructure while avoiding the concentrated crime pressures of those metros. With a median household income of $80,255 and all neighborhoods grading safe, Laurel compares well to other Prince George's and Howard County communities of similar size. The city-level C- overall crime grade is the one caveat — prospective residents should weigh that figure against the neighborhood-specific grades, which tell a more optimistic story about day-to-day residential safety.