Dundalk, situated in Baltimore County, Maryland, boasts a population of approximately 68,000 residents. Renowned for its historic waterfront, industrial legacy, and diverse community, the town holds a distinct character.
Nevertheless, Dundalk grapples with a reputation as one of the most crime-prone areas in the state, exhibiting a crime rate that surpasses the national average by 45%.
How Does Dundalk Compare to Other Cities in Maryland?
Dundalk stands out as one of Maryland’s more crime-prone areas, exhibiting a crime rate 45% above the national average. According to NeighborhoodScout, this places Dundalk in the bottom 9% of U.S. neighborhoods in terms of safety.
In comparison to other cities in Maryland, Dundalk surpasses the state average for violent crime, registering 660 incidents per 100,000 residents compared to the state’s 399 per 100,000 residents.
The prevalence of property crime is also notably higher in Dundalk, with a rate of 2,710 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the state average of 1,635 per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Dundalk finds itself in the lowest 10% tier of Maryland cities in terms of safety.
To delve deeper into the safety concerns, let’s explore the top five most precarious neighborhoods in Dundalk, based on crime data from NeighborhoodScout.
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
| Gray Haven | 38.7 |
| Harbor View | 40.1 |
| West Inverness | 41.9 |
| Colgate | 43.6 |
| East Dundalk | 46.2 |
Gray Haven
Gray Haven, situated in the southeastern part of Dundalk, is enclosed by North Point Boulevard, Merritt Boulevard, and the Back River.
With a population of approximately 2,500, the neighborhood boasts a median income of $51,000. Notably, Gray Haven exhibits a crime rate of 38.7 per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 84% of Maryland neighborhoods.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Harbor View
Harbor View, situated in the southwestern region of Dundalk along the Patapsco River, is home to approximately 3,000 residents with a median income of $40,000. The neighborhood exhibits a crime rate of 40.1 per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 86% of the neighborhoods in Maryland.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Nez Perce County, Idaho
West Inverness
West Inverness, situated in the south-central region of Dundalk, is located near the crossroads of Dundalk Avenue and Sollers Point Road.
With a population of approximately 4,000 people, the neighborhood boasts a median income of $38,000. Notably, West Inverness exhibits a crime rate of 41.9 per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 88% of the neighborhoods in Maryland.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin
Colgate
Colgate is situated in the northwest region of Dundalk, bordering the city of Baltimore. With a population of approximately 5,000 people, the neighborhood boasts a median income of $36,000.
However, Colgate faces a crime rate of 43.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, placing it higher than 90% of the neighborhoods in Maryland.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in La Crosse, Wisconsin
East Dundalk
East Dundalk, situated in the northeastern region of Dundalk along North Point Road, is home to approximately 6,000 residents with a median income of $34,000.
The neighborhood exhibits a crime rate of 46.2 per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 92% of Maryland’s neighborhoods.
Read More:Â This City Has Been Named the Cheapest Place to Live in New Jersey
Some Positive Aspects of Dundalk
Dundalk is home to the Dundalk Institute of Technology, a leading higher education institution offering a variety of courses in fields like engineering, business, humanities, health, and science. The institute fosters a robust culture of research and innovation, evident through its numerous centers of excellence and industry collaborations.
The town serves as a thriving hub for business and industry, hosting multinational companies and local enterprises, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, technology, financial services, and specialist foods.
Notable companies with a presence in Dundalk include Kaseya, PayPal, National Pen, Prometric, and Boyne Valley Group.
Dundalk has a proud sporting tradition, with various clubs and teams competing in disciplines such as football, rugby, Gaelic games, cricket, basketball, and athletics. Dundalk F.C. stands out as the most successful football club in the League of Ireland, boasting 14 league titles and 12 FAI Cups.
The town’s natural beauty adds to its charm, situated on the east coast of Ireland along the Castletown River. Dundalk features several parks and green spaces, including Blackrock Park, Ice House Hill Park, and the Dundalk Bay Wildlife Reserve.
In addition, Dundalk is conveniently located near attractions and landmarks such as the Cooley Mountains, Carlingford Lough, and Castle Roche.
Final Words
Dundalk boasts a rich history and a vibrant culture, yet it grapples with significant challenges, particularly in the realm of crime and safety. Certain neighborhoods within Dundalk pose higher risks than others, underscoring the importance for both residents and visitors to be vigilant and take necessary precautions.
It’s crucial to note that crime statistics alone do not define the overall quality of a neighborhood. Dundalk, despite its challenges, possesses redeeming qualities that make it a compelling place to reside or explore. Recognizing both the issues and potential within the town, Dundalk warrants careful consideration and respect.
