Anne Arundel County, located in Maryland, is inhabited by over half a million residents and spans an area of 588 square miles. Renowned for its picturesque waterfronts, historic landmarks, and varied communities, the county offers a diverse living experience.
Nevertheless, safety levels vary across different areas within the county. Crime statistics reveal that certain neighborhoods exhibit higher rates of both violent and property crimes compared to others.
How Does Anne Arundel County Compare to Other Counties in Maryland?
Based on crime statistics obtained from CrimeGrade.org, Anne Arundel County exhibits an elevated level of violent crime, particularly in the category of murder, alongside a moderate incidence of property crime.
The county falls within the bottom 22% in terms of safety rankings among all counties in the United States.
When compared to other counties in Maryland with similar overall populations, Anne Arundel County demonstrates lower safety levels than both the state and national averages in both violent and property crime.
It’s important to note that crime rates can vary depending on the source and the timeframe considered, and certain areas within the county may be safer than others.
The following information highlights the five neighborhoods in Anne Arundel County deemed the most perilous, based on per capita crime data provided by CrimeGrade.org.
| Neighborhood | Population | Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
| Brooklyn Park | 14,000.00 | 178.9 |
| Glen Burnie | 67,000.00 | 181.8 |
| Annapolis | 39,000 | 202.9 |
| Severn | 44,000 | 205.4 |
Brooklyn Park
Brooklyn Park, situated in the northern region of the county and adjacent to Baltimore City, is a census-designated place with a population of around 14,000 and a crime rate of 178.9 per 1,000 residents.
Dating back to the 1850s, Brooklyn Park is among the oldest communities in Anne Arundel County. Initially, it was a part of Baltimore City but became annexed to the county in 1919. The community currently holds a violent crime grade of F and a property crime grade of D-.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Prince George’s County, Maryland
Glen Burnie
Glen Burnie, situated as a suburb of Baltimore, holds the distinction of being the largest town in its county, boasting a population of around 67,000 residents. The area exhibits a crime rate of 181.8 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Additionally, the town’s origins can be traced back to 1812 when Elias Glenn, a district attorney, founded it. Originally named Glennsburne, the town underwent a series of name changes, evolving into Glenburnie and eventually settling on the current moniker, Glen Burnie.
Notably, it earned the nickname “Chrome City” due to its historical association with car dealerships and custom shops.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of Louisiana
Annapolis
Annapolis, serving as the capital of Maryland and the county seat of Anne Arundel County, boasts a population of approximately 39,000 residents and exhibits a crime rate of 202.9 per 1,000 residents.
Moreover, Annapolis is renowned for housing the United States Naval Academy and the Maryland State House, the oldest continuously utilized state capitol for legislative purposes. The city embraces a vibrant maritime heritage, frequently organizing sailing events and festivals.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Maryland
Severn
Severn, situated in the western region of the county and adjacent to Fort Meade, is a census-designated place with a population of approximately 44,000. The crime rate in this area is 205.4 per 1,000 residents.
The locality derives its name from the Severn River, which traverses the county and empties into the Chesapeake Bay. Notably close to Fort Meade, a significant military facility home to the National Security Agency, the Defense Information Systems Agency, and the U.S. Cyber Command.
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Laurel
Laurel, a city spanning Anne Arundel, Howard, and Prince George’s counties, encompasses a population of approximately 12,000 in the Anne Arundel section, with a crime rate of 222.7 per 1,000 residents.
Originally established as a mill town in the early 1800s, Laurel evolved into a prominent railroad hub in the late 1800s. Renowned for its historic district, parks, lakes, and the Laurel Park horse racing track, the city has a rich and diverse history.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Marathon County, Wisconsin
Final Words
Anne Arundel County, Maryland, boasts a rich history and diverse offerings for residents and visitors alike. Nonetheless, the county contends with challenges related to crime and safety.
Certain neighborhoods within the county experience elevated rates of violent and property crimes, contributing to an overall safety level below both the state and national averages.
It is advisable for residents and visitors to stay mindful of these potential risks and adopt precautionary measures to safeguard themselves and their belongings.
By taking these precautions, individuals can fully appreciate the beauty and cultural richness of Anne Arundel County without undue concerns.
