Potomac, MD Crime Rate & Safety

Grade: B

Lower crime than 72% of major U.S. cities

Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026

37%
Below Avg Crime
1 in 204
Violent Crime Risk
1 in 43
Property Crime Risk
100%
Safe Neighborhoods

Is Potomac Safe?

Yes — Potomac has good safety overall

A city with below-average crime rates, though some neighborhoods may differ.

Potomac has a crime rate that is 37% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 204.

However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Travilah earn an A+ safety grade, while Potomac rates A. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Potomac.

Crime Index Comparison

Potomac
63
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.

Your Chance of Being a Victim

Violent Crime

1 in 204

chance per year

National average: 1 in 263

29% higher than national average

Property Crime

1 in 43

chance per year

National average: 1 in 55

26% higher than national average

Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?

Potomac Crime Breakdown

Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.

Highest Risk
Rape · 115% above avg
Lowest Risk
Murder · 47% below avg
Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
53 -47% Low
Assault
104 +4% Average
Robbery
186 +86% Moderate
Rape
215 +115% High
Property Crime
Burglary
88 -12% Average
Larceny / Theft
119 +19% Average
Vehicle Theft
123 +23% Moderate

Violent vs Property Crime

Crime Index by Category

Potomac Crime Map

Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Where Is It Safe in Potomac?

Safety varies dramatically across Potomac's 2+ neighborhoods.

Not sure which neighborhood you're in?

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

Out of 2 neighborhoods in Potomac

All Potomac Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Travilah A+ 22
2 Potomac A 33

Potomac Crime by Zip Code

Explore crime data for specific Potomac zip codes.

Potomac Demographics & Context

Population
46,256
Median Income
$189,729
Home Value
$906,737
Median Rent
$2,024
Ownership
86%

Racial Demographics

Hispanic / Latino 6.5%
White 65.1%
Black 5.9%
Asian 23.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Potomac, MD?

Potomac, MD has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 37% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 204 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 43 chance for property crime. Potomac has lower crime than 72% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Is Potomac, MD safe to live in?

Potomac is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B. Approximately 100% of the city's 2 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Travilah is one of the safest areas, while Potomac has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Potomac is strongly recommended.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Potomac?

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Potomac are Travilah, and Potomac. 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 Potomac?

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Potomac include Potomac, and Travilah. 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 Potomac?

The estimated violent crime rate in Potomac is 490.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 29% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 204 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.6 per 100K (47% below average); aggravated assault at 278.1 per 100K (4% above average); robbery at 137.4 per 100K (86% above average).

What is the property crime rate in Potomac?

The estimated property crime rate in Potomac is 2,303.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 26% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 43 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 237.5 per 100K (12% below average); larceny/theft at 1,673.2 per 100K (19% above average); vehicle theft at 393.0 per 100K (23% above average).

How does Potomac crime compare to the national average?

Potomac's overall crime rate is 37% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is rape (115% above average), while murder is 47% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Potomac has lower crime than 72% of them.

Is Potomac safe to visit?

Potomac is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 26% 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 Travilah, Potomac.

How does Potomac crime compare to the rest of Maryland?

Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Potomac's crime rate is 37% below the national average, making it safer the typical Maryland city.

What type of crime is most common in Potomac?

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Potomac, with an estimated rate of 1,673.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 19% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,304 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (490 per 100K) in Potomac, which is consistent with national trends.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State