Potomac, MD Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 72% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
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
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.
| 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.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Potomac?
Safety varies dramatically across Potomac's 2+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 2Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 2Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 2 neighborhoods in Potomac
All Potomac Neighborhoods
Potomac Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Potomac zip codes.
Potomac Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
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.