Carroll County in Maryland is generally considered a safe region, boasting lower crime rates than the national average. However, it’s essential to note that not all areas within the county share the same level of tranquility.
Certain neighborhoods exhibit elevated rates of both violent and property crimes, posing a higher risk for both residents and visitors.
How Does Carroll County Compare to Other Counties in Maryland?
Carroll County exhibits lower crime rates compared to state and national averages for both violent and property crimes. Nevertheless, it does not hold the title of the safest county in Maryland, as counties like Howard, Montgomery, and Frederick boast even lower crime rates.
In the statewide context, Carroll County secures the 11th position out of 24 counties in terms of crime rates per 100,000 residents.
| Neighborhood | Violent Crime Rate (per 100,000) | Property Crime Rate (per 100,000) |
| Sykesville | 833.5 | 606.2 |
| Westminster | 364.3 | 3,080.80 |
| Taneytown | 190.5 | 937.9 |
| Mount Airy | 52.8 | 1,214.10 |
| Hampstead | 109.4 | 484.6 |
Here, we’ll investigate the five riskiest areas in Carroll County, utilizing the most recent crime statistics and maps.
Sykesville
Sykesville, situated in the south-central part of Carroll County, has a population of 4,259. According to CrimeGrade.org, it exhibits the highest rate of violent crime in the county, standing at 833.5 per 100,000 residents—significantly surpassing the county average of 14.2 and the US average of 22.7.
In addition, Sykesville experiences a notable incidence of property crime, with a rate of 606.2 per 100,000 residents, in contrast to the county average of 25 and the US average of 35.4.
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Westminster
Westminster, with a population of 18,682, serves as the county seat and is the largest city in Carroll County. According to CrimeGrade.org, it has the second-highest rate of violent crime in the county, standing at 364.3 per 100,000 residents. This is more than double the county average of 14.2 and surpasses the national average of 22.7.
Additionally, Westminster exhibits the highest rate of property crime in the county, registering at 3,080.8 per 100,000 residents, in contrast to the county average of 25 and the US average of 35.4.
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Taneytown
Taneytown, located in the northwestern part of Carroll County, has a population of 5,204. According to CrimeGrade.org, it ranks third in violent crime rates within the county, recording 190.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. This surpasses the county average of 14.2 but falls below the national average of 22.7.
In terms of property crime, Taneytown holds the second-highest rate in the county, with 937.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is notably higher than the county average of 25 but still below the national average of 35.4.
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Mount Airy
Mount Airy, located in the southeastern part of Carroll County, has a population of 9,472. According to CrimeGrade.org, it holds the fourth-highest rate of violent crime in the county, standing at 52.8 per 100,000 residents, which is still lower than the county average of 14.2 and the national average of 22.7.
On the other hand, when it comes to property crime, Mount Airy takes the third spot in the county with a rate of 1,214.1 per 100,000 residents. This is notably higher than the county average of 25 and the national average of 35.4.
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Hampstead
Hampstead, situated in the northeastern part of Carroll County, has a population of 5,215. According to CrimeGrade.org, it holds the fifth-highest rate of violent crime in the county, standing at 109.4 per 100,000 residents. Although this figure is below the county average of 14.2 and the US average of 22.7.
On the flip side, Hampstead exhibits the fourth-highest rate of property crime in the county, recording 484.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This surpasses the county average of 25 and the US average of 35.4.
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Final Words
Carroll County, Maryland, offers a generally secure and tranquil environment for residents, workers, and visitors. Nevertheless, it’s essential to note that certain neighborhoods exhibit higher crime rates than others, necessitating awareness and precautionary measures.
Based on the latest crime statistics and maps, we’ve identified five neighborhoods in Carroll County with elevated crime rates: Sykesville, Westminster, Taneytown, Mount Airy, and Hampstead.
These areas surpass both county and national averages in violent and property crimes, with common offenses including assault, robbery, larceny, and burglary.
While it’s crucial to recognize that these neighborhoods are not inherently unsafe, exercising extra vigilance and caution is advisable compared to other parts of the county.
Staying well-informed and attentive allows you to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Carroll County without compromising your safety.