Is Baltimore or Bel Air Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bel Air is safer than Baltimore (Safety Score 34/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,245 per 100,000 versus 5,763 for Baltimore — 61% lower. Baltimore has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Bel Air has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Baltimore is 54.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Baltimore — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bel Air — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Baltimore, MD
Bel Air, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Baltimore | Bel Air | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,763.2 | 2,245.3 | +3,517.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,606.2 | 239.9 | +1,366.3 |
| Murder Rate | 34.8 | 9.6 | +25.2 |
| Rape Rate | 57.5 | 9.6 | +47.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 573.2 | 28.8 | +544.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 940.7 | 191.9 | +748.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,157.0 | 2,005.4 | +2,151.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 523.8 | 96.0 | +427.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,581.9 | 1,823.1 | +758.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,051.3 | 86.4 | +964.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Bel Air safer?
Bel Air is safer with a total crime rate of 2,245 per 100K vs 5,763 for Baltimore — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Baltimore has a violent crime rate of 1,606.2 per 100K while Bel Air has 239.9. Bel Air has lower violent crime.
About Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, Maryland, a historic port city on the Patapsco River, is home to the Inner Harbor and a diverse population. Known for its distinct neighborhoods and the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, it's the most populous city in Maryland. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 566,632, Baltimore has a total crime rate of 5,763.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Bel Air, MD
Bel Air, Maryland, the county seat of Harford County, is a suburban community with a rich history, once serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Located north of Baltimore, its population is primarily composed of families and professionals. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 10,422, Bel Air has a total crime rate of 2,245.3 per 100,000 residents.