20879 Zip Code, Gaithersburg
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe zip code — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 40% of zip codes in Gaithersburg
Safety at a Glance
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in Gaithersburg
Is 20879 a Safe Zip Code?
Yes — this zip code is safe. Zip code 20879 in Gaithersburg, MD has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 77, which is 23% below the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 40% of zip codes in Gaithersburg.
Compared to the Gaithersburg average (crime index 46), zip code 20879 is 31% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 101, 1% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 47).
20879 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
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
94 | -6% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
How 20879 Compares
Crime index by category: 20879 vs Gaithersburg average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
20879 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
20879 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Gaithersburg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 20879, Gaithersburg?
Zip code 20879 in Gaithersburg, MD has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 77, which is 23% below the national average. Compared to the Gaithersburg average, crime in Zip code 20879 is 31% higher. Zip code 20879 is safer than 40% of neighborhoods in Gaithersburg.
Is Zip code 20879 a safe neighborhood in Gaithersburg?
Zip code 20879 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Gaithersburg, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 101), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 47). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Gaithersburg.
How does Zip code 20879 compare to the rest of Gaithersburg?
Zip code 20879's overall crime index is 77, compared to the Gaithersburg average of 46. This means crime in Zip code 20879 is 31% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 77, and for property crime it is 78. 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 20879?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 20879 is Rape, with a crime index of 101 (1% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Zip code 20879?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 20882, 20878, 20877 and 20899. These areas are close to Zip code 20879 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 20879?
Zip code 20879 has a population of approximately 30,262. The median household income is $120,293. The median home value is $443,979. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 20879 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 20879's overall crime rate is 23% below the national average (index 77 vs 100). Within Gaithersburg, it is safer than 40% 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.