Defense Heights Neighborhood, Baltimore
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
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in Baltimore
Is Defense Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Defense Heights in Baltimore, MD has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Baltimore average (crime index 109), Defense Heights is 32% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 197, 97% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 60). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Defense Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Baltimore city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
116 | +16% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
85 | -15% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
60 | -40% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
197 | +97% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
149 | +49% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
How Defense Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Defense Heights vs Baltimore average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Defense Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Defense Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Defense Heights, Baltimore?
Defense Heights in Baltimore, MD has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average. Compared to the Baltimore average, crime in Defense Heights is 32% higher.
Is Defense Heights a safe neighborhood in Baltimore?
Defense Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Baltimore, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 197), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 60).
How does Defense Heights compare to the rest of Baltimore?
Defense Heights's overall crime index is 141, compared to the Baltimore average of 109. This means crime in Defense Heights is 32% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 91, and for property crime it is 155. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Defense Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Defense Heights is Burglary, with a crime index of 197 (97% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Defense Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Eastwood, Pulaski Industrial Area, Bayview and Hopkins Bayview. These areas are close to Defense Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Defense Heights?
Defense Heights has a population of approximately 15. The median household income is $65,313. The median home value is $136,863. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Defense Heights crime compare to the national average?
Defense Heights's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average (index 141 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.