Is Frederick or Laurel Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Frederick is safer than Laurel (Safety Score 38/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,080 per 100,000 versus 5,255 for Laurel — 60% lower. Frederick has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Frederick has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Frederick is 3.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Frederick — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Laurel — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Frederick, MD
Laurel, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Frederick | Laurel | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,079.7 | 5,255.2 | -3,175.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 406.0 | 393.7 | +12.3 |
| Murder Rate | 2.3 | 6.9 | -4.6 |
| Rape Rate | 55.4 | 24.0 | +31.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 52.0 | 130.1 | -78.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 296.3 | 232.8 | +63.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,673.7 | 4,861.5 | -3,187.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 244.3 | 198.6 | +45.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,317.5 | 3,752.3 | -2,434.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.0 | 910.7 | -798.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Laurel safer?
Frederick is safer with a total crime rate of 2,080 per 100K vs 5,255 for Laurel — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Frederick has a violent crime rate of 406.0 per 100K while Laurel has 393.7. Laurel has lower violent crime.
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.
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.