Maryland is a state that has many diverse terrains, including the beach marshlands by the Chesapeake Bay to the mountainous terrains of Western Maryland. This is because the natural environment endowed on the state is so picturesque and inviting to nature lovers and adventurers.
But the place selection process is deeper than just selecting the most picturesque area. You also want to feel secure in the place you call your home, and within the community you reside in. In this guide, a comprehensive analysis of the most secure cities and towns in Maryland based on recent crime data is provided. We will show #10 of the safest countries and what makes them special.
Safety and Security in Cities and Towns in Maryland
To establish where residents of Maryland are safest, we turned to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting data which has valuable information on violent and property crimes across the United States.
This category included violent personal crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and assault, and property crimes such as burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. We then proceeded to divide the crime rate of each city by the total population of the city and multiplied the result by 1000, and we ranked the cities starting from the city with the lowest crime rate being the safest city.
Besides the quantitative data that was gathered, we have taken into account the other factors that define how safe a place seems to be, such as the percentage of the population that lives below the poverty line, the percentage of unemployed people, high school graduation rates, etc. The integration of statistical information with the social factors that influence safety is the best way to go since it has the most comprehensive results.
List of the best and safest places to live in Maryland
1. Hampstead
This Carroll County town earns the top spot on our list with surprisingly low crimes per capita. Violent crime is almost nowhere to be seen with a rate of 0.59 per 1000 residents and, overall, property crime is low. Along with the public safety and the atmosphere of a small town, Hampstead has gotten the highest scores in GCSEs.
2. Ocean Pines
Located on Maryland’s eastern shore, this large retirement community is considered to have remarkably low risk rates. Despite the low violent crime rate of 0.63 people for every 1,000 residents and a similarly low total of property crime. It has many recreation centers and even a famous golf club, and it truly is perfect for a calm and content lifestyle.
3. Sykesville
Situated within driving distance of both Baltimore and Frederick, Sykesville stands out when it comes to safety. The total crime rate is incredibly low, and violent crimes are rare to nonexistent in many regions of the country. There are new and diverse shops and dining establishments that appeal to young people while not essentially altering the laid-back family-oriented character.
4. Manchester
Manchester is a hidden gem: offering the same, if not more, access to Baltimore’s jobs and amenities as the standard neighborhoods without the safety issues. It is still more of a countryside type but it provides good quality restaurants and recreational facilities. The ability to sleep well is also achieved by having low poverty levels and being an active community.
5. Severna Park
Severna Park is one of the most sought-after areas in Maryland today because of a record-breaking length of waterfront and an increasing number of schools. Crime statistics as it relates to both violent and property crimes are equally very low. Severna Park also has a vibrant economy, and there is always enough space for green areas where people can have fun and relax.
6. Bowie
This city was once a colonial territory, but now Bowie has the look and feel of a small town with all the conveniences of the present. The unemployment rate is currently very small, the median income for the population is high, and the crime rate for each category is extremely low. It is also not far from Washington D.C. if one wishes to go shopping or any other activities that are available in large cities.
7. Mount Airy
Located in Frederick and Carroll counties, Mount Airy ranks next to Bowie in terms of safety. The violent and property crimes are extremely low, and the unemployment and poverty in the area are also very low. and Mount Airy is semi-rural but the town does have a cute and fairly newly developed downtown area that is featured in the movie.
8. Taneytown
Taneytown is another of the small towns that emerge brightly in the assessment of the safety level. It has history and local activities to boast of without all that metropolitan stress. There can be no unemployment almost at any given place and the rate of violent crimes is almost similar to this figure. Experience the great value of Taneytown, which is also one of the most secure options.
9. Smithsburg
Nestled in the thrust of the mountain country of northwest Maryland, Smithsburg is indeed a small town treat offering a lot of recreation nearby. People are socially connected; many have paid for their homes; few residents are unemployed; and there is little crime in total, let alone violent crime.
10. Elkton
Located in Cecil County in the far northeastern point of Maryland, on the borders of Delaware and Pennsylvania, Elkton can provide safety and history. It has significant participation in the War of Independence. Today there is no poverty and unemployment as is depicted in the above passage. Violent and property crimes are significantly lower compared to the national levels. It still possesses the historical aspect but has new jobs for its citizens.
Some other features that are characteristic of the Maryland places with the lowest crime rates include low levels of poverty, high home ownership, active citizen participation, good educational standards, job prospects, and recreational facilities. Regardless of which of these towns you do not end up in, focusing on these assets should enable you to identify solid, prospering communities.
In other words, these kinds of statistics are only capable of telling a part of any location’s story at the end of the day. It is advised to go and experience what some communities offer and engage in conversations with the locals to see if they suit your taste. However, we believe that the extensive analysis provided in this guide is useful to start your search for your perfect safe space in Maryland.
