Damascus, MD Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 52% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Damascus Safe?
Mostly yes — Damascus is fairly safe
Crime is slightly below the national average, though some areas may vary.
Damascus has a crime rate that is 22% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 312.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Damascus earn an A- safety grade, while Damascus rates A-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Damascus.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 312
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
16% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 67
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
18% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Damascus Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
66 | -34% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
56 | -44% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Damascus Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Damascus?
Safety varies dramatically across Damascus's 1+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 1Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 1 neighborhoods in Damascus
All Damascus Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Damascus | A- | 92 |
Damascus Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Damascus zip codes.
Damascus Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Damascus, MD?
Damascus, MD has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 22% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 312 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 67 chance for property crime. Damascus has lower crime than 52% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Damascus, MD safe to live in?
Damascus is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 1 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Damascus is one of the safest areas, while Damascus has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Damascus is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Damascus?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Damascus are Damascus. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Damascus?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Damascus include Damascus. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Damascus?
The estimated violent crime rate in Damascus is 320.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 16% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 312 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.1 per 100K (18% below average); aggravated assault at 176.1 per 100K (34% below average); robbery at 92.2 per 100K (25% above average).
What is the property crime rate in Damascus?
The estimated property crime rate in Damascus is 1,499.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 18% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 67 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 151.8 per 100K (44% below average); larceny/theft at 1,078.3 per 100K (23% below average); vehicle theft at 269.1 per 100K (16% below average).
How does Damascus crime compare to the national average?
Damascus's overall crime rate is 22% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (44% above average), while burglary is 44% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Damascus has lower crime than 52% of them.
Is Damascus safe to visit?
Damascus is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 18% below 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 Damascus.
How does Damascus crime compare to the rest of Maryland?
Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Damascus's crime rate is 22% below the national average, making it safer the typical Maryland city.
What type of crime is most common in Damascus?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Damascus, with an estimated rate of 1,078.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 23% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,499 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (321 per 100K) in Damascus, which is consistent with national trends.