Is Gaithersburg or Westminster Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gaithersburg is safer than Westminster (Safety Score 54/100 vs 33/100), with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100,000 versus 2,283 for Westminster — 31% lower. Gaithersburg has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Westminster has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Gaithersburg is 3.4x 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
Westminster — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Gaithersburg, MD
Westminster, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Gaithersburg | Westminster | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,564.9 | 2,283.4 | -718.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 252.9 | 241.9 | +11.0 |
| Murder Rate | 1.4 | 0.0 | +1.4 |
| Rape Rate | 28.7 | 29.0 | -0.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 64.7 | 24.2 | +40.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 158.1 | 188.7 | -30.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,312.0 | 2,041.5 | -729.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 150.9 | 106.4 | +44.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,023.1 | 1,867.4 | -844.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 138.0 | 67.7 | +70.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gaithersburg or Westminster safer?
Gaithersburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,565 per 100K vs 2,283 for Westminster — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Gaithersburg has a violent crime rate of 252.9 per 100K while Westminster has 241.9. Westminster 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 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.