Germantown, MD Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 33% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Germantown Safe?
Somewhat — crime is near the national average
Safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Some areas are safe, others are not.
Germantown has a crime rate that is 2% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 373.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Darnestown earn an A safety grade, while Germantown rates A-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Germantown.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 373
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
30% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 45
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
22% higher than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Germantown 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
|
103 | +3% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
98 | -2% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
119 | +19% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
108 | +8% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Germantown Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Germantown?
Safety varies dramatically across Germantown's 2+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 2Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 2Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 2 neighborhoods in Germantown
All Germantown Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darnestown | A | 40 |
| 2 | Germantown | A- | 89 |
Germantown Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Germantown zip codes.
Germantown Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Germantown, MD?
Germantown, MD has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 2% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 373 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 45 chance for property crime. Germantown has lower crime than 33% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Germantown, MD safe to live in?
Germantown has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 100% of the city's 2 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Darnestown is one of the safest areas, while Germantown has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Germantown is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Germantown?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Germantown are Darnestown, and Germantown. 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 Germantown?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Germantown include Germantown, and Darnestown. 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 Germantown?
The estimated violent crime rate in Germantown is 268.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 30% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 373 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.1 per 100K (3% above average); aggravated assault at 171.3 per 100K (36% below average); robbery at 58.6 per 100K (21% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Germantown?
The estimated property crime rate in Germantown is 2,228.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 22% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 45 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 210.6 per 100K (22% below average); larceny/theft at 1,674.7 per 100K (19% above average); vehicle theft at 343.1 per 100K (8% above average).
How does Germantown crime compare to the national average?
Germantown's overall crime rate is 2% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (19% above average), while assault is 36% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Germantown has lower crime than 33% of them.
Is Germantown safe to visit?
Visitors to Germantown should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 22% 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 Darnestown, Germantown.
How does Germantown crime compare to the rest of Maryland?
Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Germantown's crime rate is 2% below the national average, making it safer the typical Maryland city.
What type of crime is most common in Germantown?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Germantown, with an estimated rate of 1,674.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 19% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,228 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (268 per 100K) in Germantown, which is consistent with national trends.