Denton, MD Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 39% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Denton Safe?
Somewhat — crime is near the national average
Safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Some areas are safe, others are not.
Denton has a crime rate that is 9% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 257.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Williston earn an A+ safety grade, while Denton rates B. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Denton.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 257
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
2% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 45
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
21% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Denton 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
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
110 | +10% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
72 | -28% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
118 | +18% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
117 | +17% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Denton Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Denton?
Safety varies dramatically across Denton's 3+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 3Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 3 neighborhoods in Denton
All Denton Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Williston | A+ | 51 |
| 2 | West Denton | A+ | 98 |
| 3 | Denton | B | 161 |
Denton Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Denton zip codes.
Denton Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Denton, MD?
Denton, MD has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 9% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 257 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 45 chance for property crime. Denton has lower crime than 39% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Denton, MD safe to live in?
Denton has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 100% of the city's 3 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Williston is one of the safest areas, while Denton has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Denton is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Denton?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Denton are Williston, West Denton, and Denton. 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 Denton?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Denton include Denton. 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 Denton?
The estimated violent crime rate in Denton is 389.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 2% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 257 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.8 per 100K (4% below average); aggravated assault at 295.7 per 100K (10% above average); robbery at 57.8 per 100K (22% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Denton?
The estimated property crime rate in Denton is 2,215.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 21% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 45 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 193.1 per 100K (28% below average); larceny/theft at 1,649.4 per 100K (18% above average); vehicle theft at 372.5 per 100K (17% above average).
How does Denton crime compare to the national average?
Denton's overall crime rate is 9% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (18% above average), while burglary is 28% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Denton has lower crime than 39% of them.
Is Denton safe to visit?
Visitors to Denton should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 21% 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 Williston, West Denton, Denton.
How does Denton crime compare to the rest of Maryland?
Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Denton's crime rate is 9% below the national average, making it safer the typical Maryland city.
What type of crime is most common in Denton?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Denton, with an estimated rate of 1,649.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 18% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,215 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (389 per 100K) in Denton, which is consistent with national trends.