Poverty and crime mean Baltimore! You heard that before, right? Is Baltimore really that dangerous, though?
In 2015, Baltimore had the highest homicide rate of any major U.S. city. A staggering 344 homicides that year made it the deadliest city in the nation.
Fast forward to 2026, and Baltimore tells a very different story. The city is no longer seen as one of the most dangerous in the country, thanks to what Mayor Brandon Scott calls a proactive strategy rooted in community investment, targeted interventions, and smarter policing. Together, these efforts are continuing to transform Baltimore into a safer, more vibrant place for residents and businesses alike
To prove this, we have gathered insights from the Baltimore Police Department, the FBI, local real estate professionals, and legal experts to provide you with a comprehensive overview of Baltimore’s safety.
Let’s see what the crime index in Baltimore tells us!
Crime index for Baltimore:
A recent crime report by the Baltimore police department shows that so far at the end of 2025, homicides dropped 22%. Non-fatal shootings down by 19%.
Juvenile homicide victims fell by 71%.
The police force is growing, smarter, younger, and more local. Cadet hiring tripled. Firearms seized? Over 1,300. And the clearance rates? Higher than the national average, with 120 violent offenders off the streets. The official Baltimore Police Department “Mid-Year Crime Report” (July 1, 2025) shows that gun violence has gone down. This is a positive aspect as many crimes start with weapons!
Crime index Baltimore 2025:
| Crime index | Safety index |
|---|---|
| 74.67 | 25.33 |
The above statistics by Numbeo show that Baltimore has a relatively high rate of crime.
Big numbers on the Crime Index show that the rate of committing crimes in Baltimore is far above the national average.The Safety Index shows Baltimore as an unsafe city because the lower the score, the higher the level of crime.
But the above stats reflect very little about the overall safety experience of people living in or visiting the city.
So we have researched different crime rates in different neighborhoods and areas within the city.
Crime statistics for Baltimore:
Car theft statistics:
The Baltimore Police Department reported 11,000+ car thefts in 2023.
At the beginning of 2024, more than 400 cars had already been stolen.
According to the crime-data portal, the projected cost of vehicle theft in Baltimore in 2025 is about US$ 192 million.
The same source estimates a vehicle-theft rate of approximately 4 vehicles per 1,000 residents in the Baltimore area.
Citizens are really concerned and seeking a reliable security solution for their lots and auto dealerships.
Homicides statistics:
By mid-2024, Baltimore police reported a 36% drop in homicides, a sign of real progress in the city’s ongoing safety efforts. According to the Baltimore Police Department’s mid-year report, as of June 2025, 68 homicides had been recorded, marking a further 22% decrease compared to the same period last year.
Why is Baltimore so dangerous?
In 2024, experts attributed crime to factors like economic instability and high poverty rates in Baltimore.
John Lenzner, Deputy to the U.S. Attorney in Maryland, said gang activity also plays a major role in fueling violence and crime.
But in 2025, Mayor Brandon Scott speaks about the downturn in violence as a direct result of the city’s strategies. He talks about a huge reduction in homicides!
What are the locals saying about safety in Baltimore?
Let’s also hear from the locals.
Brian Robinson, a Baltimore resident since 1967, shares his perspective:
“Poverty, drugs, poor education, and crime have made parts of Baltimore dangerous places to live. City leaders aren’t doing enough to help, taxes are too high, and there’s crime and drugs everywhere. It’s a bad situation, and nobody seems to be fixing it.”
His points are valid. These are key contributors to crime.
Gary Pearson, who has lived in Baltimore for 25 years, offers a different take:
“Baltimore can be dangerous, but if you’re smart and careful, you’ll be fine. Just avoid drugs and steer clear of bad neighborhoods at night. I’ve lived here for years and never had issues.”
Incidents like the Slab City murders highlight how insufficient surveillance and community awareness can lead to tragic outcomes. Proactive video monitoring and smart city safety systems can significantly reduce such risks in urban areas like Baltimore.
It’s true that Baltimore can be risky in certain areas. Want to avoid the trouble? Check out our list of the safest neighborhoods in Baltimore.
Safest Neighborhoods in Baltimore:
| Neighborhood | General Vibe | Safety Statistics |
|---|---|---|
| Roland Park | Tranquil, residential, planned suburb | Low crime rate (2,059 per 100,000) |
| Parkville | Quiet, family-friendly, access to green parks | Safe, low crime rate |
| Cheswolde | Single-family homes, garden-style apartments, Orthodox Jewish community | Very safe (917 crimes per 100,000) |
| South Baltimore | Young professionals, nightlife, amenities | Low crime rate, gentrified |
| Towson (suburb) | Suburban, family-friendly, shopping, restaurants | 14% safer than the national average |
| Chinquapin Park | Quiet, detached homes, parks | 22% lower crime rate than the national average |
Even though you live in the safest neighborhood of Baltimore, it might not be as safe as the safest city of the US.
Now you might wonder…
Is Baltimore dangerous at night?
Certain areas of Baltimore can be more dangerous at night. While some neighborhoods are relatively safe, others experience higher rates of crime after dark.
Areas with higher crime rates, such as parts of West Baltimore, can be particularly risky at night. It’s wise to avoid these areas if you’re not familiar with them.
Downtown Baltimore is generally safer than some of the city’s more troubled neighborhoods.
Downtown areas often have more visibility and police presence, but it’s important to remain cautious, particularly at night when activity levels drop. This is the advice given by experts on drug policy and crime.
Is Baltimore a good place to live in 2026?
The livability of a place is determined by good job opportunities and attractive salary packages, as well as the potential for people to expand their families and businesses.
An important indicator of the safety of a place is the ambitions of its youth. An interesting report shows that the youth in Baltimore are now more career-oriented!
The data above highlights a significant decline in violent crimes committed by youth in Baltimore, particularly across Maryland.
This is a promising sign that crime rates are decreasing, with more young people focusing on building their careers and pursuing meaningful employment.
The most dangerous neighborhoods in Baltimore:
Property club provides a list of places to avoid in Baltimore, and we’ve taken a closer look to understand why these areas rank among the most dangerous.
| Rank | Neighborhood | Crime Rate | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle East | 10,945 per 100,000 | Urban decay, high property crime, violent crime |
| 2 | West Baltimore | 350% above the national average | Low-ranking schools, unemployment, poverty, violent crime |
| 3 | East Monument Historic District | 317% above the national average | Pervasive crime, violent crime |
| 4 | Pulaski | 307% above the national average | Lack of education/employment opportunities |
| 5 | Cherry Hill | 291% above the state average | Gang activity, violent crime, drug trafficking |
Baltimore isn’t alone in facing crime challenges. Learn where it ranks compared to the most dangerous cities in the US in 2025.
Baltimore crime map by neighborhood:
The lighter areas indicate safer regions, while the darker areas represent high crisis zones in Baltimore.
In 2025, the northern and northeastern neighborhoods continued to show lower levels of violent crime than the central and western sections of the city. This matches what residents see on the Baltimore Police Department public crime map, which visualizes real-time activity.
According to the Baltimore Police Department 2025 report, homicides fell by 22 percent compared with the same period in 2024, moving from 88 to 68.
Non-fatal shootings dropped by 19 percent in the same window, moving from 204 to 164. These reductions reflect the ongoing public safety strategies highlighted throughout the year.
Now for the big update.
Cue the drumroll…
The Baltimore Development Corporation reports that the Baltimore, Columbia, and Towson region added 28,400 jobs in the second quarter of 2025. This shows a strong, steady economic rise in the metro area.
The 2025 UpSurge Baltimore Tech Ecosystem Report also notes accelerating growth in life sciences, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and other innovation sectors. These trends point to a city that is gaining momentum in both safety and economic vitality.
Some more info now for people who want to visit Baltimore.
Is Baltimore safe for visitors?
The National Endowment for the Arts reported a 15% increase in cultural tourism in Baltimore over the past year.
The city has experienced a 20% increase in new arts and culture venues, enhancing Baltimore’s appeal as a destination for visitors.
In 2022, Baltimore hosted more than 26 million overnight and day trip visitors, representing a 10% increase over 2021.
That’s a positive sign!
The police and local authorities are making significant efforts to combat poverty and improve social benefit programs.
Here’s how you can stay safe in Baltimore with proactive awareness and swift action.
Staying safe in Baltimore:
Businesses have been able to secure their premises by adding as many layers of security as possible. In Baltimore, confronting danger is not just about a well-lit environment or placing CCTV security cameras.
The key to protecting businesses lies in connecting these cameras to a remote live video monitoring center, enabling proactive detection and swift action that truly makes the difference.
By combining the power of advanced technologies, such as AI and cloud analytics, with human expertise, live remote video monitoring provides top-notch security and access control to a wide array of industries, from retail stores and construction sites to car dealerships and parking lots.
incidents with Remote
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Live video monitoring ensures a safer & smarter
living environment.
Live video monitoring ensures a safer & smarter living environment.
If you want to understand what remote video monitoring is, we suggest the following good reads:
- A Beginner guide to Remote Video Monitoring 2025.
- What is Remote Video Surveillance, and how does it work?
Why choose live video monitoring?
- You can receive instant alerts in case suspicious activity is detected so that action can be taken in time.
- Advanced technology analyzes video feeds for potential threats to minimize false alarms and ensure high accuracy.
- Highly qualified experts ensure round-the-clock monitoring for any hiccups that are solved efficiently and promptly.
Key takeaways:
- Crime Index in Baltimore is 72.45 (relatively high).
- Safety Index in Baltimore is 27.55 (low, indicating higher crime levels).
- In Baltimore, over 11,000 cars were stolen in 2023, with more than 400 stolen in the first 20 days of 2024.
- Homicides: There was a significant decline in 2023, with a 36% decrease compared to the previous year.
- Safer neighborhoods: Roland Park, Parkville, Cheswolde, South Baltimore, Towson, Chinquapin Park, Hampden, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Canton, and Mount Vernon.
- Economic indicators: Baltimore’s GDP grew by 3.5% in 2023, showing positive economic development.
In 2015, Baltimore was considered the fourth most dangerous city in the US !
But ..
In 2024, Baltimore saw significant reductions in crime, with a 36% decrease in homicides and around 30% drop in non-fatal shootings.
Despite this progress, crime rates remain high compared to national averages, particularly in specific neighborhoods and at night.
For enhanced safety in Baltimore, live video monitoring offers businesses and residents added protection and peace of mind.
Stay ahead of potential security threats with live remote video monitoring in Baltimore and nearby locations.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
