Is Elkton or Gaithersburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gaithersburg is safer than Elkton (Safety Score 54/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100,000 versus 6,318 for Elkton — 75% lower. Elkton has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gaithersburg has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Gaithersburg is 4.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Elkton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gaithersburg — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Elkton, MD
Gaithersburg, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Elkton | Gaithersburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,318.3 | 1,564.9 | +4,753.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,086.4 | 252.9 | +833.4 |
| Murder Rate | 12.5 | 1.4 | +11.1 |
| Rape Rate | 124.9 | 28.7 | +96.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 243.5 | 64.7 | +178.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 699.3 | 158.1 | +541.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,231.9 | 1,312.0 | +3,920.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 630.6 | 150.9 | +479.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,633.6 | 1,023.1 | +2,610.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 967.7 | 138.0 | +829.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elkton or Gaithersburg safer?
Gaithersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100K vs 6,318 for Elkton — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Elkton has a violent crime rate of 1,086.4 per 100K while Gaithersburg has 252.9. Gaithersburg has lower violent crime.
About Elkton, MD
Elkton, Maryland, once known as the "Marriage Capital of the East," is the seat of Cecil County. Located near the head of the Chesapeake Bay, its population is a diverse mix of families and commuters. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 16,017, Elkton has a total crime rate of 6,318.3 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.