Is Bel Air or Frederick Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Frederick is safer than Bel Air (Safety Score 38/100 vs 34/100), with a total crime rate of 2,080 per 100,000 versus 2,245 for Bel Air — 7% lower. Bel Air has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Frederick has a 76% lower rate.
Note: Frederick is 8.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bel Air — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Frederick — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bel Air, MD
Frederick, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bel Air | Frederick | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,245.3 | 2,079.7 | +165.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 239.9 | 406.0 | -166.1 |
| Murder Rate | 9.6 | 2.3 | +7.3 |
| Rape Rate | 9.6 | 55.4 | -45.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.8 | 52.0 | -23.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 191.9 | 296.3 | -104.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,005.4 | 1,673.7 | +331.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 96.0 | 244.3 | -148.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,823.1 | 1,317.5 | +505.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 86.4 | 112.0 | -25.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bel Air or Frederick safer?
Frederick is safer with a total crime rate of 2,080 per 100K vs 2,245 for Bel Air — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bel Air has a violent crime rate of 239.9 per 100K while Frederick has 406.0. Bel Air has lower violent crime.
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.
About Frederick, MD
Nestled in the Monocacy Valley, Frederick is a growing city with a rich Civil War history, home to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Its proximity to Washington D.C. and Baltimore makes it a commuter hub. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 88,428, Frederick has a total crime rate of 2,079.7 per 100,000 residents.