Frederick, MD Crime Rate & Safety

Frederick, MD has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 17% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 210 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 38 chance for property crime. Frederick has higher crime than 77% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Frederick has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 78% of the city's 68 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Willow Brook is one of the safest areas, while Frederick Heights has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Frederick is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Frederick are Willow Brook, Hillcrest, Northgate, Governor's Choice, and Riverside Corporate Park. 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 Frederick include Frederick Heights, Golden Mile, Stonegate, Waverley View, and Ballenger Creek Center. 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 Frederick is 476.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 25% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 210 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.5 per 100K (10% above average); aggravated assault at 362.9 per 100K (35% above average); robbery at 73.6 per 100K (0% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Frederick is 2,651.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 45% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 38 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 271.7 per 100K (1% above average); larceny/theft at 1,985.0 per 100K (42% above average); vehicle theft at 394.6 per 100K (24% above average).

Frederick's overall crime rate is 17% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (42% above average), while robbery is 0% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Frederick has higher crime than 77% of them.

Visitors to Frederick should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 45% 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 Willow Brook, Hillcrest, Northgate.

Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Frederick's crime rate is 17% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Maryland city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Frederick, with an estimated rate of 1,985.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 42% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,651 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (476 per 100K) in Frederick, which is consistent with national trends.