Bowie, MD Crime Rate & Safety

Bowie, MD has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 3% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 148 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 31 chance for property crime. Bowie has higher crime than 69% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Bowie has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 100% of the city's 67 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Fairview is one of the safest areas, while Lake Arbor has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Bowie is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Bowie are Fairview, Grovehurst, Collington Station, Huntington Crest, and Amber Meadows. 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 Bowie include Lake Arbor, Queen Anne, Long Ridge, Covington Manor and The Towns, and Chapel Forge. 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 Bowie is 676.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 78% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 148 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.8 per 100K (17% above average); aggravated assault at 442.2 per 100K (65% above average); robbery at 149.5 per 100K (102% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Bowie is 3,216.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 76% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 31 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 326.2 per 100K (21% above average); larceny/theft at 2,434.7 per 100K (74% above average); vehicle theft at 455.5 per 100K (43% above average).

Bowie's overall crime rate is 3% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (135% above average), while murder is 17% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Bowie has higher crime than 69% of them.

Visitors to Bowie should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 76% 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 Fairview, Grovehurst, Collington Station.

Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Bowie's crime rate is 3% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Maryland city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Bowie, with an estimated rate of 2,434.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 74% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,216 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (677 per 100K) in Bowie, which is consistent with national trends.