About 47,000 people live in Potomac, Maryland, a wealthy area of Washington, D.C. The area is famous for its great public schools, beautiful parks, and high-end shopping malls. It was named after the nearby Potomac River. Even so, different parts of Potomac have different levels of safety and appeal. Some places have higher rates of crime and violence, which makes them less appealing to both locals and tourists.
How Does This Compare to Other Cities of Maryland?
State and national crime rates for both property and serious crimes are lower in Potomac, Maryland than they are in other states. House Grail says that Potomac is the 11th safest place in Maryland because it has a low crime rate. Ocean Pines, with a crime rate of 0.8 per 1,000 residents, is the safest city in Maryland.
Its crime rate is the only one in Maryland below the national median of 19.82 per 1,000 people. With a crime rate of 93.18 per 1,000 people, Ocean City is the most dangerous city in Maryland. It has higher rates of both violent and property crime than any other city in the state. It is tenth on RoadSnacks’ list of the most dangerous towns in the country, over four times as dangerous as Potomac.
Based on data from NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade, this piece goes into detail about the five most dangerous areas in Potomac. We will also give you advice on how to stay safe in these places. Here are Potomac’s five riskiest neighborhoods:
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) |
| Potomac Village | 18.6 |
| River Road / Bradley Boulevard | 1.3 |
| Falls Road / Democracy Boulevard | 9.4 |
| Glen Echo / Cabin John | 8.7 |
| Travilah / Darnestown | 7.9 |
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Gaithersburg, Maryland!
Potomac Village
This part of Potomac is the center of business and culture, with lots of restaurants, shops, banks, and offices. Anyway, it has the unfortunate honor of having the Potomac region’s highest crime rate (18.6 crimes per 1,000 people).
This number is more than twice as high as the national average of 8.9 incidents per 1,000 people. To stay safe in Potomac Village, you shouldn’t walk alone at night, keep your belongings and car locked up, and pay attention to your surroundings.
River Road / Bradley Boulevard
This residential area is near the Potomac River and the C&O Canal National Historical Park. It has some of the most luxurious houses and important historical sites in the Potomac.
Even so, it stands out because it has a higher-than-average rate of violent crime—1.3 incidents per 1,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 0.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. For your safety, you shouldn’t walk or jog along the river or canal, especially at night, and you should call the cops right away if you see anything suspicious.
Falls Road / Democracy Boulevard
This community area is close to Potomac Village and the I-495 Beltway. It is known for having a large and diverse population and being close to many schools and parks. Property crime is still a problem, with 9.4 incidents per 1,000 people. The national rate is 6.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, so this is more than that.
Glen Echo / Cabin John
On the western edge of Potomac, close to the border with Virginia, lies this rural area. Although it is known for its beautiful scenery, ancient sites, and recreational activities, it is also a crime hotspot, with 8.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is just below the national average of 8.9 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Travilah / Darnestown
This area of suburbs is on the northern edge of Potomac, close to the line with Gaithersburg. It’s known for having a low population, a wealthy community, and great schools, but it also has a problem with crime—7.9 crimes per 1,000 people. The national average is 8.9 incidents per 1,000 people, so this number is a little lower than that.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Bowie, Maryland!
Conclusion
This list shows the five most dangerous areas in Potomac, Maryland. Crime and violence do happen in Potomac, even though the city has a reputation for being safe and wealthy.
For this reason, it is best to be constantly alert and careful when living in or visiting these places. Simply following simple safety rules can help lower your risk of becoming a victim of crime, letting you fully enjoy the benefits of living in Potomac.