Gaithersburg, MD Crime Rate & Safety

Gaithersburg, MD has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 22% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 302 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 40 chance for property crime. Gaithersburg has higher crime than 80% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Gaithersburg has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 100% of the city's 4 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, National Institute of Standards and Technology is one of the safest areas, while Gaithersburg has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Gaithersburg is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Gaithersburg are National Institute of Standards and Technology, North Potomac, Laytonsville, and Gaithersburg. 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 Gaithersburg include Gaithersburg, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and North Potomac. 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 Gaithersburg is 330.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 13% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 302 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 6.3 per 100K (27% above average); aggravated assault at 220.5 per 100K (18% below average); robbery at 71.2 per 100K (4% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Gaithersburg is 2,491.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 36% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 40 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 240.9 per 100K (11% below average); larceny/theft at 1,860.8 per 100K (33% above average); vehicle theft at 389.5 per 100K (22% above average).

Gaithersburg's overall crime rate is 22% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (33% above average), while assault is 18% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Gaithersburg has higher crime than 80% of them.

Visitors to Gaithersburg should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 36% 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 National Institute of Standards and Technology, North Potomac, Laytonsville.

Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Gaithersburg's crime rate is 22% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Maryland city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Gaithersburg, with an estimated rate of 1,860.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 33% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,491 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (331 per 100K) in Gaithersburg, which is consistent with national trends.