Preston, MD Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 68% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Preston Safe?
Yes — Preston has good safety overall
A city with below-average crime rates, though some neighborhoods may differ.
Preston has a crime rate that is 33% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 488.
100% of Preston neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety, while 0% have high crime rates.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 488
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
46% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 332
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
84% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Preston 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
|
47 | -53% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
60 | -40% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
32 | -68% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
53 | -47% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
8 | -92% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
3 | -97% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Preston Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Preston?
Safety varies dramatically across Preston's 2+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 2Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 2 neighborhoods in Preston
All Preston Neighborhoods
Preston Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Preston zip codes.
Preston Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Preston, MD?
Preston, 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 488 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 332 chance for property crime. Preston has lower crime than 68% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Preston, MD safe to live in?
Preston 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. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Preston is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Preston?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Preston are Choptank, and Preston. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What is the violent crime rate in Preston?
The estimated violent crime rate in Preston is 205.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 46% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 488 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.4 per 100K (53% below average); aggravated assault at 160.9 per 100K (40% below average); robbery at 23.8 per 100K (68% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Preston?
The estimated property crime rate in Preston is 301.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 84% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 332 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 173.8 per 100K (36% below average); larceny/theft at 116.8 per 100K (92% below average); vehicle theft at 10.6 per 100K (97% below average).
How does Preston crime compare to the national average?
Preston's overall crime rate is 33% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is burglary (36% below average), while vehicle theft is 97% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Preston has lower crime than 68% of them.
Is Preston safe to visit?
Preston is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 84% 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 Choptank, Preston.
How does Preston crime compare to the rest of Maryland?
Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Preston's crime rate is 33% below the national average, making it safer the typical Maryland city.
What type of crime is most common in Preston?
Burglary is the most common crime in Preston, with an estimated rate of 173.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 36% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (301 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (205 per 100K) in Preston, which is consistent with national trends.