Is Bel Air or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bel Air is safer than New York City (Safety Score 34/100 vs 19/100), with a total crime rate of 2,245 per 100,000 versus 3,040 for New York City — 26% lower. Bel Air has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Bel Air has a 85% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 796.3x 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
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bel Air, MD
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bel Air | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,245.3 | 3,039.7 | -794.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 239.9 | 671.4 | -431.6 |
| Murder Rate | 9.6 | 3.9 | +5.7 |
| Rape Rate | 9.6 | 23.4 | -13.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.8 | 187.5 | -158.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 191.9 | 456.2 | -264.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,005.4 | 2,368.3 | -362.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 96.0 | 154.7 | -58.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,823.1 | 2,015.0 | -191.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 86.4 | 198.5 | -112.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bel Air or New York City safer?
Bel Air is safer with a total crime rate of 2,245 per 100K vs 3,040 for New York City — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bel Air has a violent crime rate of 239.9 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. 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 New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.