Is Baltimore or Gaithersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gaithersburg is safer than Baltimore (Safety Score 54/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100,000 versus 5,763 for Baltimore — 73% lower. Baltimore has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gaithersburg has a 96% lower rate.
Note: Baltimore is 8.1x 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
Gaithersburg — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Baltimore, MD
Gaithersburg, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Baltimore | Gaithersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,763.2 | 1,564.9 | +4,198.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,606.2 | 252.9 | +1,353.3 |
| Murder Rate | 34.8 | 1.4 | +33.3 |
| Rape Rate | 57.5 | 28.7 | +28.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 573.2 | 64.7 | +508.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 940.7 | 158.1 | +782.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,157.0 | 1,312.0 | +2,845.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 523.8 | 150.9 | +372.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,581.9 | 1,023.1 | +1,558.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,051.3 | 138.0 | +913.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Gaithersburg safer?
Gaithersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100K vs 5,763 for Baltimore — a 73% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Baltimore has a violent crime rate of 1,606.2 per 100K while Gaithersburg has 252.9. Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg, a diverse city in Montgomery County, boasts a rich agricultural past, evidenced by its annual county fair. Situated along the I-270 technology corridor, it's a bustling hub with a significant immigrant population. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 69,590, Gaithersburg has a total crime rate of 1,564.9 per 100,000 residents.