Cardinal Forest Neighborhood, Laurel
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Laurel
Is Cardinal Forest Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Cardinal Forest in Laurel, MD has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 5, which is 95% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Laurel average (crime index 78), Cardinal Forest is 73% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Laurel as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 120, 20% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 9).
Cardinal Forest Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Laurel city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
9 | -91% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
9 | -91% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
20 | -80% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
How Cardinal Forest Compares
Crime index by category: Cardinal Forest vs Laurel average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Cardinal Forest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Cardinal Forest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Cardinal Forest, Laurel?
Cardinal Forest in Laurel, MD has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 5, which is 95% below the national average. Compared to the Laurel average, crime in Cardinal Forest is 73% lower.
Is Cardinal Forest a safe neighborhood in Laurel?
Cardinal Forest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Laurel, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 120), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 9).
How does Cardinal Forest compare to the rest of Laurel?
Cardinal Forest's overall crime index is 5, compared to the Laurel average of 78. This means crime in Cardinal Forest is 73% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 56, and for property crime it is 46. 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 Cardinal Forest?
The most prevalent crime type in Cardinal Forest is Rape, with a crime index of 120 (20% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Cardinal Forest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Scaggsville, West Laurel, North Laurel and Maryland City. These areas are close to Cardinal Forest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Cardinal Forest?
Cardinal Forest has a population of approximately 356. The median household income is $221,850. The median home value is $643,902. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Cardinal Forest crime compare to the national average?
Cardinal Forest's overall crime rate is 95% below the national average (index 5 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.