Downtown Neighborhood, Baltimore

Crime Rate & Statistics

Average crime levels — comparable to the national average

Safer than 19% of neighborhoods in Baltimore

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High

Low 160 / 300 High

Violent Crime 147

47% above national avg

Property Crime 180

80% above national avg

City Ranking

19%

safer than other

Baltimore neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Baltimore

Is Downtown Safe?

It's average — crime is comparable to the national average. Downtown in Baltimore, MD has a safety grade of C. The overall crime index is 160, which is 60% above the national average of 100. Downtown is safer than 19% of neighborhoods in Baltimore.

Compared to the Baltimore average (crime index 109), Downtown is 51% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 193, 93% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 66). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 193 (93% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Rape · Index 66 (34% below avg)

Downtown Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Baltimore city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Baltimore	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	183	+83%	+75%	High
Assault	150	+50%	+38%	Moderate
Robbery	190	+90%	+102%	High
Rape	66	-34%	N/A	Low
Property Crime
Burglary	165	+65%	+65%	High
Larceny / Theft	193	+93%	+78%	High
Vehicle Theft	183	+83%	+69%	High

How Downtown Compares

Crime index by category: Downtown vs Baltimore average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Downtown Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Downtown Demographics & Context

Population

3,630

Median Income

$61,831

Home Value

$208,635

Median Age

Pop. Density

8,910/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 37.5%

Graduate Degree 40.1%

Housing

95%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 41.8%

Black 26.5%

Hispanic 8.2%

Asian 25.4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Downtown West Index: 170

B-

Mount Vernon Index: 163

Penn / Fallsway Index: 11

A+

University of Maryland Index: 173

C-

Seton Hill Index: 162

Jonestown Index: 94

Otterbein Index: 178

B+

Ridgely's Delight Index: 140

Downtown Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Baltimore Crime Statistics

View all Baltimore neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Downtown, Baltimore?

Downtown in Baltimore, MD has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime index is 160, which is 60% above the national average. Compared to the Baltimore average, crime in Downtown is 51% higher. Downtown is safer than 19% of neighborhoods in Baltimore.

Is Downtown a safe neighborhood in Baltimore?

Downtown has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 193), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 66).

How does Downtown compare to the rest of Baltimore?

Downtown's overall crime index is 160, compared to the Baltimore average of 109. This means crime in Downtown is 51% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 147, and for property crime it is 180. 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 Downtown?

The most prevalent crime type in Downtown is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 193 (93% 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 Downtown?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown West, Penn / Fallsway, Jonestown and Otterbein. These areas are close to Downtown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Downtown?

Downtown has a population of approximately 3,630. The median household income is $61,831. The median home value is $208,635. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Downtown crime compare to the national average?

Downtown's overall crime rate is 60% above the national average (index 160 vs 100). Within Baltimore, it is safer than 19% of neighborhoods. 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.