Kensington, MD Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 67% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Kensington Safe?
Yes — Kensington has good safety overall
A city with below-average crime rates, though some neighborhoods may differ.
Kensington has a crime rate that is 33% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 353.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Chevy Chase View earn an A+ safety grade, while North Kensington rates A-. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Kensington.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 353
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
26% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 76
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
29% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Kensington 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
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
40 | -60% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
55 | -45% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
51 | -49% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Kensington Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Kensington?
Safety varies dramatically across Kensington's 4+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 4Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 4Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 4 neighborhoods in Kensington
All Kensington Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevy Chase View | A+ | 64 |
| 2 | South Kensington | A | 57 |
| 3 | Kensington | A | 91 |
| 4 | North Kensington | A- | 93 |
Kensington Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Kensington zip codes.
Kensington Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Kensington, MD?
Kensington, MD has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 33% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 353 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 76 chance for property crime. Kensington has lower crime than 67% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Kensington, MD safe to live in?
Kensington is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B. Approximately 100% of the city's 4 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Chevy Chase View is one of the safest areas, while North Kensington has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Kensington is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Kensington?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Kensington are Chevy Chase View, South Kensington, Kensington, and North Kensington. 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 Kensington?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Kensington include North Kensington, Kensington, South Kensington, and Chevy Chase View. 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 Kensington?
The estimated violent crime rate in Kensington is 282.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 26% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 353 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.0 per 100K (41% below average); aggravated assault at 231.7 per 100K (14% below average); robbery at 29.7 per 100K (60% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Kensington?
The estimated property crime rate in Kensington is 1,308.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 29% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 76 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 136.5 per 100K (49% below average); larceny/theft at 990.8 per 100K (29% below average); vehicle theft at 180.8 per 100K (43% below average).
How does Kensington crime compare to the national average?
Kensington's overall crime rate is 33% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (14% below average), while robbery is 60% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Kensington has lower crime than 67% of them.
Is Kensington safe to visit?
Kensington is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 29% below 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 Chevy Chase View, South Kensington, Kensington.
How does Kensington crime compare to the rest of Maryland?
Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Kensington's crime rate is 33% below the national average, making it safer the typical Maryland city.
What type of crime is most common in Kensington?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Kensington, with an estimated rate of 990.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 29% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,308 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (283 per 100K) in Kensington, which is consistent with national trends.