20878 Zip Code, Gaithersburg
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe zip code — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 60% of zip codes in Gaithersburg
Safety at a Glance
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in Gaithersburg
Is 20878 a Safe Zip Code?
Yes — this zip code is very safe. Zip code 20878 in Gaithersburg, MD has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 53, which is 47% below the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 60% of zip codes in Gaithersburg.
Compared to the Gaithersburg average (crime index 46), zip code 20878 is 7% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 87, 13% below average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 38).
20878 Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Gaithersburg city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
56 | -44% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
38 | -62% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
84 | -16% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
48 | -52% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
72 | -28% | Low | |
How 20878 Compares
Crime index by category: 20878 vs Gaithersburg average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
20878 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
20878 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Gaithersburg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 20878, Gaithersburg?
Zip code 20878 in Gaithersburg, MD has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 53, which is 47% below the national average. Compared to the Gaithersburg average, crime in Zip code 20878 is 7% higher. Zip code 20878 is safer than 60% of neighborhoods in Gaithersburg.
Is Zip code 20878 a safe neighborhood in Gaithersburg?
Zip code 20878 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Gaithersburg, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Rape (index: 87), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 38). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Gaithersburg.
How does Zip code 20878 compare to the rest of Gaithersburg?
Zip code 20878's overall crime index is 53, compared to the Gaithersburg average of 46. This means crime in Zip code 20878 is 7% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 66, and for property crime it is 66. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Zip code 20878?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 20878 is Rape, with a crime index of 87 (13% below the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Zip code 20878?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 20882, 20879, 20877 and 20899. These areas are close to Zip code 20878 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 20878?
Zip code 20878 has a population of approximately 65,224. The median household income is $160,365. The median home value is $667,025. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 20878 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 20878's overall crime rate is 47% below the national average (index 53 vs 100). Within Gaithersburg, it is safer than 60% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.