Top 10 Safest Cities in Maryland

Welcome to Maryland! Perhaps best known for its tasty blue crabs, Maryland is also known for coal mining, forested mountains and its Baltimore sports teams. Whether you’re looking to live in a small town near Washington, D.C., or a more bustling urban community, Maryland has a wide variety of communities — not to mention diversity in nature. Ready to move to the Old Line State? We’ve compiled a list of the 10 safest cities in the state to help inform your choice.

The Top 10 Safest Cities in Maryland

1. Ocean Pines

• Population: 12,224
• Violent Crimes: 14 (0.1143 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 52 (0.4247 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

79.01% Below National Crime Rate, 78.45% Below State Crime Rate

At the top of our list is Ocean Pines, a census-designated place in Worcester County on the state’s Eastern Shore. Established as a resort in 1968, Ocean Pines consists of more than 8,000 platted lots along waterfront and wooded areas. In addition, residents enjoy multiple pools, parks and a championship golf course. If the coastal views aren’t enough, Ocean Pines has the lowest nonviolent crime rate per capita in the state. 

2. Taneytown

• Population: 6,795
• Violent Crimes: 0 (0 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 49 (0.7211 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

71.92% Below National Crime Rate, 71.18% Below State Crime Rate

Taneytown is located in Carroll County just south of the Pennsylvania border. Founded in 1754, Taneytown still holds on to its history, which can be viewed in the historic downtown and surrounding historical landmarks. While Ocean Pines wins for lowest nonviolent crime rate, Taneytown takes the lowest violent crime rate, with zero violent crimes committed in the past year.

3. Mount Airy

• Population: 9,434
• Violent Crimes: 4 (0.0424 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 85 (0.901 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

63.27% Below National Crime Rate, 62.29% Below State Crime Rate

Part of the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas, Mount Airy started as a small town bolstered by the economic prosperity of the railroad. While the town has grown beyond the railroad, visitors and residents alike can view old tracks and stations in and around the area. Wine lovers can also rejoice, for Mount Airy is home to not one, but three different vineyards. 

4. Thurmont

• Population: 6,712
• Violent Crimes: 8 (0.1192 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 39 (0.581 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

72.74% Below National Crime Rate, 72.01% Below State Crime Rate

Approximately 10 miles from the Pennsylvania border lies Thurmont, a small town in Frederick County. Like Mount Airy, the introduction of the railroad system boosted Thurmont’s economy and helped develop the town. Despite its small population, Thurmont has no shortage of parks and recreational activities. Whether you want to play chess at Mechanicstown Square Park or visit the historic Thurmont Trolley Trail, Thurmont has you covered.

5. Hampstead

• Population: 6,364
• Violent Crimes: 4 (0.0629 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 48 (0.7542 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

68.19% Below National Crime Rate, 67.34% Below State Crime Rate

Located in Carroll County and developed in the mid-1700s, Hampstead has grown from a little farming community to a thriving town. In particular, Hampstead prides itself on being a close-knit community with excellent schools and civic organizations.

6. Glenarden

• Population: 6,258
• Violent Crimes: 8 (0.1278 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 63 (1.0067 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Car Theft

55.83% Below National Crime Rate, 54.65% Below State Crime Rate

Glenarden began as a community of 15 people in Prince George’s County in 1919 and has now grown to more than 6,000 residents. Located just 11 miles east of Washington, D.C., Glenarden offers residents a quiet, small-town lifestyle while still being near a large city. One notable feature is the Museum Resource Center, which preserves museum objects for parks in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and D.C.

7. District Heights

• Population: 6,062
• Violent Crimes: 16 (0.2639 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 34 (0.5609 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

67.89% Below National Crime Rate, 67.03% Below State Crime Rate

District Heights is also located in Prince George’s County and is known for having strong schools, as well as parks and cultural events and activities. Those seeking city thrills can jump in the car and drive into D.C., which is only 10 miles away.

8. Bowie

• Population: 59,356
• Violent Crimes: 80 (0.1348 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 817 (1.3764 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

41.16% Below National Crime Rate, 39.60% Below State Crime Rate

With a population of just under 60,000 residents, Bowie is by far the most populous city on our list. Founded as a railroad station town and incorporated in 1882, Bowie has plenty of parks and other attractions, including the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, golf courses and multiple museums. In addition, the city is home to the historic Bowie State University, which has been open since 1865.

9. Brunswick

• Population: 6,322
• Violent Crimes: 12 (0.1898 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 84 (1.3287 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

40.88% Below National Crime Rate, 39.31% Below State Crime Rate

Located along the north bank of the Potomac River, Brunswick is a small city in southwestern Frederick County. With its close proximity to the river, there’s no shortage of trails to hike and water activities to engage in; from whitewater rafting to canoeing, there’s fun for the whole family. With its economic history originating in the canal and railroad business, there are also plenty of historic sights to visit for a taste of early Brunswick life.

10. Frostburg

• Population: 8,591
• Violent Crimes: 19 (0.2212 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 137 (1.5947 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

29.30% Below National Crime Rate, 27.42% Below State Crime Rate

Let’s chill out with our final city — Frostburg. Located in Allegany County in the western arm of the state, Frostburg was developed in the 1800s and saw economic growth through the railroad and coal mining industries. Modern Frostburg thrives as a small college town, offering several different parks, recreational activities and restaurants. With its location in the Appalachian highlands, Frostburg is a sight to see all year round, ranging from snowy mountains to cool summers.