Baltimore County, Maryland, spans over 600 square miles and is home to over 800,000 residents. It features a mix of thriving communities and areas with high crime rates. The county’s violent crime rate exceeds Maryland’s state average but has a lower property crime rate. Overall, its crime rate is below the national average.
How Does This County Compare to Other Counties in Maryland?
It surpasses the Maryland state average for violent crimes but has a lower property crime rate. Additionally, the overall crime rate of Baltimore County is below the national average. This variance in crime rates reflects the diverse nature of the different areas within the county.
Furthermore, the article mentions that crime rates across Maryland counties vary significantly, a situation influenced by a range of factors. This is exemplified by the FBI data presented in the article, which compares crime rates across several Maryland counties.
| County | Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | Property Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) |
| Allegany | 2.64 | 17 |
| Anne Arundel | 3.07 | 15 |
| Baltimore | 3.78 | 16 |
| Calvert | 1.38 | 10 |
| Carroll | 1.22 | 9.34 |
| Cecil | 3.06 | 14.29 |
| Charles | 2.77 | 12.83 |
| Frederick | 1.59 | 10.75 |
| Harford | 2.37 | 11.72 |
| Howard | 1.76 | 11.28 |
| Montgomery | 2 | 11 |
| Prince George’s | 5 | 17 |
| Washington | 3 | 16 |
| Wicomico | 5 | 21 |
Additionally, based on the 2020 violent crime statistics from the Maryland Department of State Police, the article identifies the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Baltimore County.
| Neighborhood | Population | Median Income | Violent Crimes |
| Woodlawn | 39,223.00 | $62,467 | 1,038 |
| Towson | 55,197.00 | $77,665 | 726 |
| Essex | 39,262.00 | $49,475 | 686 |
| Dundalk | 63,597.00 | $46,035 | 661 |
| Parkville | 30,734.00 | $58,112 | 569 |
The Five Most Challenging Neighborhoods
- Woodlawn: Experienced the highest number of violent crimes in 2020, including 18 homicides, 38 rapes, 372 robberies, and 610 aggravated assaults. Woodlawn is known for public housing complexes and significant institutions like the Social Security Administration and the FBI field office.
- Towson: Recorded 726 violent crimes in 2020, including 4 homicides, 25 rapes, 261 robberies, and 436 aggravated assaults. Towson is the county seat and a major educational and commercial hub.
- Essex: Reported 686 violent crimes, comprising 9 homicides, 29 rapes, 224 robberies, and 424 aggravated assaults. Essex is a suburban locality along the Chesapeake Bay and the Back River.
- Dundalk: Registered 661 incidents of violent crime, including 7 homicides, 24 rapes, 213 robberies, and 417 aggravated assaults. Dundalk, established as a steel mill community, has a rich history.
- Parkville: Recorded 569 violent crimes in 2020, including 3 homicides, 19 rapes, 184 robberies, and 363 aggravated assaults. Parkville is a suburban community with over 30,000 residents.
These five neighborhoods accounted for over half of the county’s violent crimes in 2020. Despite a high violent crime rate, the county has seen major crime reductions since 2017. Crime distribution varies significantly across Baltimore County, influenced by various factors like population density, socioeconomic status, and local policing strategies.
Conclusion
While certain areas in Baltimore County present high crime rates, the overall picture is complex and influenced by diverse factors. It’s important to view these statistics in the context of fluctuating crime rates and varying neighborhood characteristics.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Derry, New Hampshire!
Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Prince George’s County, Maryland!
Colorado Launches Paid Family and Medical Leave Program for Workers!