Bel Air, MD Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Bel Air, MD

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Bel Air is 15.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 19 violent crimes reported in Bel Air, equivalent to 178 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 51.9%. Additionally, Bel Air recorded 268 property crimes, amounting to 2511 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 28.5%.

During the most recently reported crime year, Bel Air experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Bel Air?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Bel Air residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 15 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 87% of Bel Air residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 13% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Bel Air a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Bel Air is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Bel Air has a total crime rate that is 16% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.79 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 0.73 daily property crimes) in Bel Air.

Has Crime in Bel Air Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Bel Air has increased by 46.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Bel Air is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 9.5%, while property crime has increased by 53.1%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Bel Air.

Potential Causes for Crime in Bel Air

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Bel Air currently has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Bel Air, 93.5% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

In Bel Air, the cost of living is 13.41% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

Bel Air crime map