Frederick County in Maryland, known for its diverse landscapes and cultural blend, offers many attractions and conveniences. However, safety levels vary across its neighborhoods. The county’s overall crime rate, at 17.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, is below the state and national averages, yet some areas experience higher crime rates.
How Does Frederick Compare to Other Counties in Maryland?
Frederick County in Maryland stands out for its relatively low crime rates in comparison to both state and national figures. With an overall crime rate of 17.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, it’s markedly lower than Maryland’s 20.1 and the U.S. average of 23.2 per 1,000.
This trend extends to both violent and property crimes, where Frederick County reports lower rates than state and national averages. However, this doesn’t apply uniformly across the county. Areas like Frederick City, Ballenger Creek, and Thurmont have higher crime rates, underscoring the importance of location-specific safety considerations.
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Property Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
| Frederick City | 19 | 3.96 | 15.04 |
| Ballenger Creek | 16.8 | 2.1 | 14.7 |
| Thurmont | 15.4 | 3.1 | 12.3 |
| Brunswick | 14.8 | 1.7 | 13.1 |
| Walkersville | 14.5 | 1.5 | 13 |
Frederick City
The largest urban center in the county, with about 73,000 residents, faces an overall crime rate of 19 per 1,000 residents. Notably, its violent crime rate is slightly above the national median, while property crime rates are lower. Some neighborhoods within the city, like Urbana Highlands and Tuscarora Creek, are relatively safer.
Ballenger Creek
This suburban area with rural touches has a population of around 19,000. Its crime rate is 16.8 per 1,000 residents, characterized by a lower violent crime rate but a higher property crime rate compared to the county average.
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Thurmont
Home to about 6,500 people and close to Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont’s crime rate is 15.4 per 1,000 residents. It records a higher violent crime rate but a lower property crime rate than the county average.
Brunswick
With a population of approximately 6,000, Brunswick’s crime rate is 14.8 per 1,000 residents. It sees lower violent crimes but slightly higher property crimes compared to the county average. The city, located near the Potomac River, features a historic downtown area.
Walkersville
In the heart of the county and with about 6,000 residents, Walkersville has a crime rate of 14.5 per 1,000 residents. It has a lower incidence of violent crimes but a slightly higher rate of property crimes.
It’s important to note that crime rates can fluctuate due to various factors. Residents and visitors are advised to stay vigilant, use common sense, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities while appreciating Frederick County’s diversity and richness.
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