Ellicott City, MD Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 38% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Ellicott City Safe?
Somewhat — crime is near the national average
Safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Some areas are safe, others are not.
Ellicott City has a crime rate that is 7% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 229.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Dorsey's Search earn an B+ safety grade, while Dorsey's Search rates B+. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Ellicott City.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 229
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
15% higher than national average
Property Crime
1 in 46
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
19% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Ellicott City 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
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
111 | +11% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
120 | +20% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
115 | +15% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
118 | +18% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Ellicott City Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Ellicott City?
Safety varies dramatically across Ellicott City's 1+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 1Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 1 neighborhoods in Ellicott City
All Ellicott City Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dorsey's Search | B+ | 118 |
Ellicott City Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Ellicott City zip codes.
Ellicott City Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Ellicott City, MD?
Ellicott City, MD has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 7% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 229 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 46 chance for property crime. Ellicott City has lower crime than 38% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Ellicott City, MD safe to live in?
Ellicott City has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 100% of the city's 1 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Dorsey's Search is one of the safest areas, while Dorsey's Search has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Ellicott City is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Ellicott City?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Ellicott City are Dorsey's Search. 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 Ellicott City?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Ellicott City include Dorsey's Search. 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 Ellicott City?
The estimated violent crime rate in Ellicott City is 437.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 15% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 229 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.3 per 100K (14% below average); aggravated assault at 297.2 per 100K (11% above average); robbery at 88.4 per 100K (20% above average).
What is the property crime rate in Ellicott City?
The estimated property crime rate in Ellicott City is 2,183.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 19% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 46 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 191.3 per 100K (29% below average); larceny/theft at 1,615.4 per 100K (15% above average); vehicle theft at 376.8 per 100K (18% above average).
How does Ellicott City crime compare to the national average?
Ellicott City's overall crime rate is 7% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (42% above average), while burglary is 29% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Ellicott City has lower crime than 38% of them.
Is Ellicott City safe to visit?
Visitors to Ellicott City should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 19% 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 Dorsey's Search.
How does Ellicott City crime compare to the rest of Maryland?
Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Ellicott City's crime rate is 7% below the national average, making it safer the typical Maryland city.
What type of crime is most common in Ellicott City?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Ellicott City, with an estimated rate of 1,615.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 15% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,184 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (438 per 100K) in Ellicott City, which is consistent with national trends.