Silver Spring, MD Crime Rate & Safety

Silver Spring, MD has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 104% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 151 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 25 chance for property crime. Silver Spring has higher crime than 95% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Silver Spring has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 100% of the city's 14 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Layhill is one of the safest areas, while Hillandale has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Silver Spring is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Silver Spring are Layhill, Four Corners, Cloverly, Kemp Mill, and Colesville. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Silver Spring include Hillandale, Silver Spring, White Oak, Fairland, and Wheaton. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Silver Spring is 660.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 74% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 151 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 10.3 per 100K (107% above average); aggravated assault at 473.6 per 100K (77% above average); robbery at 127.2 per 100K (72% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Silver Spring is 4,055.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 121% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 25 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 431.7 per 100K (60% above average); larceny/theft at 2,983.5 per 100K (113% above average); vehicle theft at 640.0 per 100K (101% above average).

Silver Spring's overall crime rate is 104% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (113% above average), while rape is 48% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Silver Spring has higher crime than 95% of them.

Visitors to Silver Spring should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 121% 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 Layhill, Four Corners, Cloverly.

Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. Silver Spring's crime rate is 104% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Maryland city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Silver Spring, with an estimated rate of 2,983.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 113% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (4,055 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (661 per 100K) in Silver Spring, which is consistent with national trends.