Rock Creek Palisades Neighborhood, Kensington
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safety at a Glance
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in Kensington
Is Rock Creek Palisades Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Rock Creek Palisades in Kensington, MD has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 109, which is 9% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Kensington average (crime index 76), Rock Creek Palisades is 33% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 118, 18% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 55).
Rock Creek Palisades Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Kensington city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
104 | +4% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
92 | -8% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
55 | -45% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
94 | -6% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
88 | -12% | Average | |
How Rock Creek Palisades Compares
Crime index by category: Rock Creek Palisades vs Kensington average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Rock Creek Palisades Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Rock Creek Palisades Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Rock Creek Palisades, Kensington?
Rock Creek Palisades in Kensington, MD has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 109, which is 9% above the national average. Compared to the Kensington average, crime in Rock Creek Palisades is 33% higher.
Is Rock Creek Palisades a safe neighborhood in Kensington?
Rock Creek Palisades is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Kensington, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Assault (index: 118), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 55).
How does Rock Creek Palisades compare to the rest of Kensington?
Rock Creek Palisades's overall crime index is 109, compared to the Kensington average of 76. This means crime in Rock Creek Palisades is 33% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 95, and for property crime it is 79. 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 Rock Creek Palisades?
The most prevalent crime type in Rock Creek Palisades is Assault, with a crime index of 118 (18% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Rock Creek Palisades?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include North Kensington, Kensington, Chevy Chase View and South Kensington. These areas are close to Rock Creek Palisades and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Rock Creek Palisades?
Rock Creek Palisades has a population of approximately 3,250. The median household income is $117,689. The median home value is $598,963. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Rock Creek Palisades crime compare to the national average?
Rock Creek Palisades's overall crime rate is 9% above the national average (index 109 vs 100). 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.