South Laurel, MD Crime Rate & Safety

South Laurel, MD has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 70% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 135 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 21 chance for property crime. South Laurel has higher crime than 92% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

South Laurel has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting South Laurel is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in South Laurel is 742.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 95% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 135 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.5 per 100K (91% above average); aggravated assault at 494.9 per 100K (85% above average); robbery at 171.6 per 100K (132% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in South Laurel is 4,667.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 155% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 21 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 414.0 per 100K (53% above average); larceny/theft at 3,546.2 per 100K (153% above average); vehicle theft at 707.3 per 100K (122% above average).

South Laurel's overall crime rate is 70% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (153% above average), while burglary is 53% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, South Laurel has higher crime than 92% of them.

Visitors to South Laurel should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 155% 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.

Maryland as a whole has crime that is 1% above the national average. South Laurel's crime rate is 70% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Maryland city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in South Laurel, with an estimated rate of 3,546.2 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 153% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (4,668 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (743 per 100K) in South Laurel, which is consistent with national trends.