Is Baltimore Dangerous?
Yes, Baltimore is very dangerous as it has a crime rate of 6,170 per 100,000 residents, which is 164% higher than the national average. Baltimore struggles with gang and drug-related violent crimes and has a particularly high murder rate of 36 per 100,000 people, which is more than 700% higher than the US average.
Simply put, Baltimore is one of the worst cities in the USA due to its incredibly high violent crime rates.
12 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Baltimore
- Middle East
- Fairfield
- West Baltimore
- East Monument Historic District
- Pulaski
- Cherry Hill
- Greenmount East
- Highlandtown
- Greater Rosemont
- Berea
- Grove Park
- Sandtown-Winchester
1. Middle East
The most dangerous neighborhood in Baltimore is Middle East. This neighborhood is located in East Baltimore and has a population of 7,100. Although Middle East may be located near Johns Hopkins Medical Center, the neighborhood has undergone extensive urban decay, with entire streets being nearly abandoned. With a crime rate of 10,945 per 100,000, Middle East Baltimore has a crime rate that is 445% higher than the Maryland state average. Not only is the property crime rate extremely high, but Middle East is one of the most violent neighborhoods in Baltimore.
2. Fairfield
Fairfield is another one of the most dangerous areas in Baltimore. The Fairfield neighborhood is located along the I-895 and has a population of just 530. Even with a small population, this neighborhood has a crime rate that is 391% higher than the Maryland state average. Fairfield suffers from severe poverty, urban decay, and a lack of services. Property crimes are commonplace, and the violent crime rate alone is a whopping 667% higher than the national average.
3. West Baltimore
West Baltimore is also one of the worst neighborhoods in Baltimore. Although it is located near the University of Maryland’s downtown campuses, West Baltimore has a crime rate that is a whopping 350% above the national average. West Baltimore has among the worst ranking schools and employment prospects in the city, with many residents living below the poverty line. Despite recent renovation projects, West Baltimore remains one of the most violent neighborhoods in the city.
4. East Monument Historic District
The East Monument Historic District is a neighborhood in Baltimore known for its artistic Bohemian Community that existed in the city during the early 20th century. This neighborhood has a long history of European Immigration and African-American culture, earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Despite this, East Monument deals with a pervasive crime issue, with a violent crime rate that is 317% higher than the national average.
5. Pulaski
Pulaski is another dangerous Baltimore neighborhood. This small community of only 475, has an astonishingly high crime rate. The total crime rate in Pulaski is 307% above the national average, with the neighborhood lacking education and employment opportunities. Pulaski is home to the National Aquarium, and visitors are often warned not to venture too far from the building complex.
6. Cherry Hill
Home to the largest public housing project in Baltimore, Cherry Hill has a crime rate that is 291% higher than the state average. Cherry Hill is known for gang activity, with violent crime and drug trafficking being commonplace. Local gangs have been known to cause repeated trouble for neighborhood residents. With many residents living at or below the poverty level, the average price of a home is only $74,538.
7. Greenmount East
Greenmount East has a population of 11,041 and a total crime rate that is 277% above the national average, making it one of the worst neighborhoods in Baltimore. This neighborhood is known for having high rates of burglary and theft and for being a major gang area in Baltimore. Shootings are fairly common in Greenmount East and other violent crimes such as assaults. Residents report not feeling adequately protected by police, and traveling through this area on foot isn’t recommended.
8. Highlandtown
Highlandtown is also one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Baltimore. It’s a creative neighborhood with a community-oriented atmosphere that’s full of brick row houses and neighborhood pubs. It’s also adjacent to Patterson Park and the Creative Alliance Theater. Highlandtown also has a total crime rate that’s 209% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is not only 59% higher than the rest of Baltimore but also 567% higher than the national average. The neighborhood is extremely dangerous, and your odds of being the victim of a crime in Highlandtown are 1 in 14.
9. Greater Rosemont
Greater Rosemont is a dangerous Baltimore neighborhood that is also one of the most neglected and underserved parts of the city. With a population of 18,664, Greater Rosemont has a total crime rate that is 202% above the national average. Some of the buildings in Greater Rosemont are so rundown that there have been reports of buildings collapsing and killing residents. While Greater Rosemont may not have a crime rate as high as other parts of the city, it is still advised to avoid this area.
10. Berea
Berea is another one of the worst neighborhoods in Baltimore due to its high crime rates. Located in the East District of Baltimore, Berea is a historic area full of affordable row houses on grassy plots of land. It’s also bordered by US Route 40 and Edison Highway, offering easy access to downtown. Berea features one of the highest crime rates in Baltimore. The total crime rate is 195% higher than the national average, and it’s more dangerous than 80% of cities in Maryland. The violent crime rate in Berea is also 59% higher than the rest of Baltimore and 570% higher than the rest of the country.
11. Grove Park
Grove Park is a dangerous Baltimore neighborhood with a population of 1,872 and a crime rate that is 187% higher than the Maryland average. While some recent efforts have been made to build new housing in this neighborhood, much of Grove Park has fallen victim to urban decay. Violent crimes such as robbery, assault, and murder are much higher than the national average.
12. Sandtown-Winchester
Sandtown-Winchester is a West Baltimore community with a disproportionate number of residents living below the poverty line. In addition, with an unemployment rate nearly twice the city average, Sandtown is greatly affected by drug trafficking, gang activity, and rampant property theft. Sandtown-Winchester also has a turbulent history of unrest, being the location of the 2015 Freddie Gray riots.