Baltimore, MD Crime Rate & Safety

Baltimore, MD has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 84% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 145 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 26 chance for property crime. Baltimore has higher crime than 94% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Baltimore has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 70% of the city's 254 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Johns Hopkins Homewood is one of the safest areas, while Oldtown has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Baltimore is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Baltimore are Johns Hopkins Homewood, Blythewood, Loyola / Notre Dame, Penn / Fallsway, and Evergreen. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Baltimore include Oldtown, Madison Park, Perkins Homes, Poppleton, and Charles North. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Baltimore is 687.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 81% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 145 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.1 per 100K (82% above average); aggravated assault at 501.6 per 100K (87% above average); robbery at 111.6 per 100K (51% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Baltimore is 3,857.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 111% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 26 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 467.6 per 100K (73% above average); larceny/theft at 2,766.2 per 100K (97% above average); vehicle theft at 623.6 per 100K (96% above average).

Baltimore's overall crime rate is 84% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (97% above average), while robbery is 51% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Baltimore has higher crime than 94% of them.

Visitors to Baltimore should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 111% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Johns Hopkins Homewood, Blythewood, Loyola / Notre Dame.

Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Baltimore's crime rate is 84% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Maryland city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Baltimore, with an estimated rate of 2,766.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 97% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,857 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (687 per 100K) in Baltimore, which is consistent with national trends.