Maryland’s Anne Arundel County, home to over half a million people and covering 588 square miles, is a region of contrasts. Known for its scenic waterfronts and historic sites, the county is a tapestry of various communities.
However, this diversity extends to safety levels, with certain areas displaying concerning crime statistics. Nevertheless, levels of safety change in different parts of the county. According to crime data, some neighborhoods have higher rates of both violent and property crimes than others.
How Does Anne Arundel County Compare to Other Counties in Maryland?
| Neighborhood | Population | Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
| Brooklyn Park | 14,000.00 | 178.9 |
| Glen Burnie | 67,000.00 | 181.8 |
| Annapolis | 39,000 | 202.9 |
| Severn | 44,000 | 205.4 |
The Five Most Dangerous Neighborhoods
1. Brooklyn Park: Located near Baltimore, this community of 14,000 faces a crime rate of 178.9 per 1,000 residents. With roots dating back to the 1850s, Brooklyn Park struggles with significant violent and property crime issues.
2. Glen Burnie: This suburb of Baltimore is the county’s largest town, housing 67,000 people. With a crime rate of 181.8 per 1,000, its history as a vibrant community contrasts sharply with current safety challenges. The town’s history goes back even further to 1812 when district attorney Elias Glenn started it.
When the town was first built, it was called Glennsburne. Over time, it changed its name several times, finally settled on Glen Burnie. Notably, it was called “Chrome City” because it used to be home to many car stores and custom shops.
3. Annapolis: Maryland’s capital and maritime hub, Annapolis has a population of 39,000 and a crime rate of 202.9 per 1,000. Despite its rich cultural heritage, it grapples with significant safety concerns.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Derry, New Hampshire!
Annapolis is also famous for being home to the US Naval Academy and the Maryland State House, which is the oldest state capitol that is still used for legislative reasons. The city is proud of its rich maritime history and often hosts sailing events and concerts.
4. Severn: Adjacent to significant military installations, Severn’s 44,000 residents face a crime rate of 205.4 per 1,000. The area’s strategic importance contrasts with its public safety issues. The name of the place comes from the Severn River, which flows through the county and ends in the Chesapeake Bay.
It is very close to Fort Meade, which is a major military base where the National Security Agency, the Defense Information Systems Agency, and the U.S. Cyber Command are located.
5. Laurel: Stretching across three counties, Laurel in Anne Arundel has about 12,000 residents and a crime rate of 222.7 per 1,000. Its historic significance as a railroad hub now contends with high crime rates.
In the early 1800s, Laurel was founded as a mill town. By the late 1800s, it had become a major railroad hub. The city has a long and interesting past. It is known for its historic district, parks, lakes, and the Laurel Park horse racing track.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Baltimore County, Maryland!
Conclusion
Anne Arundel County offers a rich historical and cultural experience but is not without its safety challenges. Residents and visitors are advised to be vigilant, especially in the neighborhoods mentioned above. Awareness and precaution can enable them to enjoy the county’s offerings while staying safe. There are higher rates of violent and property crimes in some parts of the county than in others.
This makes the county less safe generally than the state and national averages. Potential risks should be kept in mind by both residents and guests, and safety measures should be taken to protect themselves and their belongings. People can fully enjoy the beauty and cultural diversity of Anne Arundel County without worrying too much if they take these steps.