Frederick, Maryland, a city known for its historic downtown and cultural attractions, faces challenges with crime and violence. The city, home to about 80,000 people, shows a crime rate of 19 incidents per 1,000 residents, higher than 72% of U.S. cities. The likelihood of experiencing either violent or property crime is 1 in 52.
How Does Frederick Compare to Other Cities of Maryland?
The crime rate in Frederick is higher than the state average and higher than the crime rate in most Maryland towns. Statewide, the violent crime rate is 4.5 per 1,000 people. In Frederick, however, the number is higher at 6.1 per 1,000 people. The state average for property crimes is 15.9 per 1,000 people, but Frederick has a higher rate of 25.1 per 1,000 people.
When you compare Frederick to bigger Maryland towns like Baltimore and Annapolis, it’s not as safe. The rate of serious crime in Baltimore is 18.5 per 1,000 people, and the rate of property crime is 41.9 per 1,000 people. There is a higher rate of violent crime in Annapolis than in Frederick.
The rate of violent crime is 5.8 per 1,000 people, and the rate of property crime is 23.4 per 1,000 people. When it comes to safety, though, Frederick is better than some smaller Maryland places, like Salisbury and Cambridge. The serious crime rate in Salisbury is 13.8 per 1,000 people, and the property crime rate is 49.2 per 1,000 people.
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In the same way, Cambridge has a serious crime rate of 10.9 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 38.9 per 1,000 people, which are both higher than Frederick’s rates. Using crime rates from the City of Frederick and other reliable sources, here are five places in Frederick where you might want to be careful or stay away from:
| Neighborhood | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Crime Rate |
| Hillcrest | 69 | 247 | 49 |
| Lucas Village | 55 | 215 | 44 |
| Carrollton | 42 | 261 | 43 |
| Downtown | 38 | 201 | 35 |
| North End | 34 | 178 | 31 |
The Five Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Frederick, Maryland:
The five neighborhoods in Frederick, Maryland, that stand out due to their higher crime rates, when compared to the rest of the city, each have unique characteristics and challenges:
- Hillcrest: Located in the southwest of Frederick, Hillcrest faces significant safety challenges. It has the highest number of violent crimes in the city, with 69 incidents reported. Property crimes are also a major concern, with 247 incidents, making it second in this category. The overall crime rate here is notably high, at 49 per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the citywide average.
- Lucas Village: Situated in the southeastern part of Frederick, Lucas Village is another area with concerning crime statistics. It ranks second in the city for violent crimes, having recorded 55 incidents. Property crimes are also prevalent, with 215 incidents reported, placing Lucas Village third in this category. The crime rate here is 44 per 1,000 residents, again significantly exceeding the average for Frederick.
- Carrollton: In the northeastern section of Frederick, Carrollton presents its own set of safety issues. It’s third in the city for the highest number of violent crimes, with 42 reported incidents. More notably, it has the highest incidence of property crimes in Frederick, with 261 incidents. The crime rate in Carrollton is 43 per 1,000 residents, more than twice the citywide average.
- Downtown Frederick: The central part of the city, known for its vibrancy and historical significance, also faces crime-related challenges. It ranks fourth in Frederick for both violent and property crimes. There were 38 violent crimes and 201 property crime incidents reported. The crime rate in Downtown Frederick is 35 per 1,000 residents, nearly double the city’s average.
- North End: This northern area of Frederick is fifth in terms of both violent and property crimes. In 2023, there were 34 violent crimes and 178 property crimes reported. The crime rate here is 31 per 1,000 residents, which is 62% higher than the average for the entire city.
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Conclusion
These neighborhoods, while presenting challenges in terms of crime and safety, are also integral parts of Frederick’s urban tapestry. The high population density in these areas, averaging 6,000 people per square mile compared to the citywide average of 3,000, contributes to the challenges they face. Understanding the complexities of these neighborhoods is crucial for both residents and authorities to address safety concerns effectively.