Is Frederick or Westminster Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Frederick is safer than Westminster (Safety Score 38/100 vs 33/100), with a total crime rate of 2,080 per 100,000 versus 2,283 for Westminster — 9% lower. Frederick has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Westminster has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Frederick 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.
Frederick — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Westminster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Frederick, MD
Westminster, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Frederick | Westminster | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,079.7 | 2,283.4 | -203.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 406.0 | 241.9 | +164.1 |
| Murder Rate | 2.3 | 0.0 | +2.3 |
| Rape Rate | 55.4 | 29.0 | +26.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 52.0 | 24.2 | +27.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 296.3 | 188.7 | +107.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,673.7 | 2,041.5 | -367.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 244.3 | 106.4 | +137.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,317.5 | 1,867.4 | -549.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.0 | 67.7 | +44.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frederick or Westminster safer?
Frederick is safer with a total crime rate of 2,080 per 100K vs 2,283 for Westminster — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Frederick has a violent crime rate of 406.0 per 100K while Westminster has 241.9. Westminster 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 Westminster, MD
Westminster, the county seat of Carroll County, is a historic city known for its vibrant Main Street and proximity to Baltimore. It's home to McDaniel College, adding a youthful demographic to its established community. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 20,671, Westminster has a total crime rate of 2,283.4 per 100,000 residents.