Is Gaithersburg or Salisbury Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gaithersburg is safer than Salisbury (Safety Score 54/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100,000 versus 3,960 for Salisbury — 60% lower. Gaithersburg has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Salisbury has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Gaithersburg is 2.1x 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
Salisbury — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gaithersburg, MD
Salisbury, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gaithersburg | Salisbury | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,564.9 | 3,960.3 | -2,395.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 252.9 | 954.7 | -701.8 |
| Murder Rate | 1.4 | 0.0 | +1.4 |
| Rape Rate | 28.7 | 36.1 | -7.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 64.7 | 150.6 | -85.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 158.1 | 768.0 | -609.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,312.0 | 3,005.6 | -1,693.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 150.9 | 548.1 | -397.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,023.1 | 2,267.7 | -1,244.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 138.0 | 189.7 | -51.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Salisbury safer?
Gaithersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100K vs 3,960 for Salisbury — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gaithersburg has a violent crime rate of 252.9 per 100K while Salisbury has 954.7. 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 Salisbury, MD
Salisbury, the "Crossroads of the Delmarva," is a historic city on the Wicomico River. It serves as a regional hub for commerce and healthcare, with a significant Black population. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 33,205, Salisbury has a total crime rate of 3,960.3 per 100,000 residents.