Is Gaithersburg or La Plata Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gaithersburg is safer than La Plata (Safety Score 54/100 vs 41/100), with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100,000 versus 1,970 for La Plata — 21% lower. Gaithersburg has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where La Plata has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Gaithersburg is 6.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Gaithersburg — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
La Plata — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gaithersburg, MD
La Plata, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gaithersburg | La Plata | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,564.9 | 1,970.5 | -405.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 252.9 | 215.9 | +37.0 |
| Murder Rate | 1.4 | 0.0 | +1.4 |
| Rape Rate | 28.7 | 0.0 | +28.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 64.7 | 18.0 | +46.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 158.1 | 198.0 | -39.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,312.0 | 1,754.5 | -442.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 150.9 | 233.9 | -83.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,023.1 | 1,340.7 | -317.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 138.0 | 180.0 | -42.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or La Plata safer?
Gaithersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100K vs 1,970 for La Plata — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gaithersburg has a violent crime rate of 252.9 per 100K while La Plata has 215.9. La Plata has lower violent crime.
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.
About La Plata, MD
La Plata, the county seat of Charles County, is a small town in Southern Maryland. It's home to the College of Southern Maryland and boasts a historic downtown district. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 11,114, La Plata has a total crime rate of 1,970.5 per 100,000 residents.