Hagerstown, MD Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Hagerstown, 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 Hagerstown is 19% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 310 violent crimes reported in Hagerstown, equivalent to 712 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 92.5%. Additionally, Hagerstown recorded 894 property crimes, amounting to 2053 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 5%.

Hagerstown is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 712 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Hagerstown is 1 in 141.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Hagerstown is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 8 murders in Hagerstown, which equates to 18 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Hagerstown being a very dangerous place to live.

Hagerstown has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 2053 property crimes in Hagerstown, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Hagerstown?

AreaVibes surveyed 67 local residents in Hagerstown to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 28% of people answered that there was very little crime in Hagerstown and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 72% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Hagerstown a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Hagerstown is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Hagerstown has an overall crime rate that is 19% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 3.3 daily occurrences, comprising 0.85 violent crimes and 2.45 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Hagerstown as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Hagerstown Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Hagerstown. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Hagerstown has decreased by 5.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 5.8%, while property crime has decreased by 9.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Hagerstown.

Potential Causes for Crime in Hagerstown

In Hagerstown, 77.6% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Hagerstown, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.56, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Hagerstown has a median home price of $160,000, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Hagerstown crime map