Is Gaithersburg or Laurel Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gaithersburg is safer than Laurel (Safety Score 54/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100,000 versus 5,255 for Laurel — 70% lower. Gaithersburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gaithersburg has a 79% lower rate.
Note: Gaithersburg is 2.4x 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
Laurel — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gaithersburg, MD
Laurel, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gaithersburg | Laurel | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,564.9 | 5,255.2 | -3,690.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 252.9 | 393.7 | -140.8 |
| Murder Rate | 1.4 | 6.9 | -5.4 |
| Rape Rate | 28.7 | 24.0 | +4.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 64.7 | 130.1 | -65.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 158.1 | 232.8 | -74.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,312.0 | 4,861.5 | -3,549.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 150.9 | 198.6 | -47.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,023.1 | 3,752.3 | -2,729.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 138.0 | 910.7 | -772.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Laurel safer?
Gaithersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100K vs 5,255 for Laurel — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gaithersburg has a violent crime rate of 252.9 per 100K while Laurel has 393.7. Gaithersburg 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 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.