Dorchester Neighborhood, Gwynn Oak
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Gwynn Oak
Safety at a Glance
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in Gwynn Oak
Is Dorchester Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Dorchester in Gwynn Oak, MD has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 129, which is 29% above the national average of 100. Dorchester is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Gwynn Oak.
Compared to the Gwynn Oak average (crime index 117), Dorchester is 12% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 150, 50% above average), while vehicle theft is the lowest risk (index: 83).
Dorchester Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Gwynn Oak city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
115 | +15% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
133 | +33% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
150 | +50% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
How Dorchester Compares
Crime index by category: Dorchester vs Gwynn Oak average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Dorchester Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Dorchester Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Dorchester, Gwynn Oak?
Dorchester in Gwynn Oak, MD has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 129, which is 29% above the national average. Compared to the Gwynn Oak average, crime in Dorchester is 12% higher. Dorchester is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Gwynn Oak.
Is Dorchester a safe neighborhood in Gwynn Oak?
Dorchester is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Gwynn Oak, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 150), while Vehicle Theft is the lowest risk (index: 83).
How does Dorchester compare to the rest of Gwynn Oak?
Dorchester's overall crime index is 129, compared to the Gwynn Oak average of 117. This means crime in Dorchester is 12% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 119, and for property crime it is 117. 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 Dorchester?
The most prevalent crime type in Dorchester is Burglary, with a crime index of 150 (50% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Dorchester?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Central Forest Park, Forest Park Golf Course, Howard Park and Grove Park. These areas are close to Dorchester and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Dorchester?
Dorchester has a population of approximately 1,401. The median household income is $42,768. The median home value is $208,147. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Dorchester crime compare to the national average?
Dorchester's overall crime rate is 29% above the national average (index 129 vs 100). Within Gwynn Oak, it is safer than 33% 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.