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.
But in 2024, Baltimore is not that dangerous anymore! Baltimore has taken proactive steps to enhance public safety and create a welcoming environment for businesses and residents 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:
| 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 reports a staggering 11,000+ car thefts in 2023.
Thefts are still very prevalent in Baltimore. At the beginning of 2024, more than 400 cars had already been stolen. That is almost one car per hour!
That is quite a leap from last year, and citizens are really getting concerned and seeking a reliable security solution for their lots and auto dealerships.
Homicides statistics:
The image highlights Baltimore’s historically high homicide rates, but 2023 saw a notable decline. Additionally, halfway through 2024, the Baltimore police released mid-year crime reports revealing:
- double-digit reductions in gun violence.
- 36% decrease in homicides
- 30% decrease in non-fatal shootings.
Why is Baltimore so dangerous?
Experts often point to factors like economic instability and high poverty rates in Baltimore to explain the city’s challenges.
According to John Lenzner, Deputy to the U.S. Attorney in Maryland in 2021, gang activity also plays a major role in fueling violence and crime.
But 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.”
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 2024?
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 crime map by neighborhood:
The lighter areas indicate safer regions, while the darker areas represent high-crisis zones in Baltimore. The northern and northeastern areas are safer than central Baltimore and the western regions!
In July 2024,The Baltimore Sun reported that violent crime rates, including homicides and aggravated assaults, are concentrated in certain areas, with the Western and Central districts experiencing higher rates compared to the Northern and Northeastern parts of the city.
Baltimore Witness has organized data to disclose press releases from the Baltimore Police Department, allowing tracking of violent crimes within the city.
During the first quarter of 2024, non-fatal shootings decreased by 28 percent while homicides dropped by 34 percent compared to the same quarter in 2023.
BUT wait….we have some big news!
Cue the drumroll… 🥁
According to the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), Baltimore’s GDP grew by 3.5% over the past year, surpassing the national average of 2.9%.
This means the city’s tech sector has seen a 25% increase in job creation over the last three years, as reported by the Baltimore Business Journal.
“Baltimore is experiencing growth by a renewed focus on its downtown and tech sector. This growth is transforming the city into a hub for innovation and investment.” — says William H. Cole IV, President and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation.
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.
If you want to understand what remote video monitoring is, we suggest the following good reads:
- A Beginner guide to Remote Video Monitoring 2024.
- 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 74.67 (relatively high).
- Safety Index in Baltimore is 25.33 (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!
