Is Bel Air or Gaithersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gaithersburg is safer than Bel Air (Safety Score 54/100 vs 34/100), with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100,000 versus 2,245 for Bel Air — 30% lower. Bel Air has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gaithersburg has a 85% lower rate.
Note: Gaithersburg is 6.7x 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
Gaithersburg — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bel Air, MD
Gaithersburg, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bel Air | Gaithersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,245.3 | 1,564.9 | +680.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 239.9 | 252.9 | -13.0 |
| Murder Rate | 9.6 | 1.4 | +8.2 |
| Rape Rate | 9.6 | 28.7 | -19.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.8 | 64.7 | -35.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 191.9 | 158.1 | +33.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,005.4 | 1,312.0 | +693.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 96.0 | 150.9 | -54.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,823.1 | 1,023.1 | +799.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 86.4 | 138.0 | -51.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bel Air or Gaithersburg safer?
Gaithersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100K vs 2,245 for Bel Air — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bel Air has a violent crime rate of 239.9 per 100K while Gaithersburg has 252.9. 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 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.