Is Baltimore or Laurel Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Laurel is safer than Baltimore (Safety Score 3/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,255 per 100,000 versus 5,763 for Baltimore — 9% lower. Baltimore has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Laurel has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Baltimore is 19.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Baltimore, MD?
Baltimore — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Laurel — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Baltimore, MD
Laurel, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Baltimore | Laurel | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,763.2 | 5,255.2 | +508.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,606.2 | 393.7 | +1,212.5 |
| Murder Rate | 34.8 | 6.9 | +27.9 |
| Rape Rate | 57.5 | 24.0 | +33.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 573.2 | 130.1 | +443.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 940.7 | 232.8 | +707.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,157.0 | 4,861.5 | -704.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 523.8 | 198.6 | +325.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,581.9 | 3,752.3 | -1,170.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,051.3 | 910.7 | +140.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Laurel safer?
Laurel is safer with a total crime rate of 5,255 per 100K vs 5,763 for Baltimore — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Baltimore has a violent crime rate of 1,606.2 per 100K while Laurel has 393.7. Laurel 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 Laurel, MD
Laurel, Maryland, a diverse city in Prince George's County, sits along the Patuxent River. Historically, it was a mill town, with industries like textiles and paper flourishing in the 19th century. Today, it's a bustling suburban hub with a significant commuter population. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 29,209, Laurel has a total crime rate of 5,255.2 per 100,000 residents.