Essex, situated in Baltimore County, Maryland, is a suburban community with approximately 40,000 residents. Its roots trace back to 1909, originally established as a rural retreat for Baltimore residents. Despite its historical background, not all areas within Essex guarantee safety and tranquility.
As indicated by crime statistics and community sentiments, certain neighborhoods in Essex exhibit elevated levels of both violent and property crimes compared to others.
The following list identifies the top five most dangerous neighborhoods in Essex, Maryland, drawing from data provided by NeighborhoodScout, CrimeGrade, and AreaVibes.
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per sq. mile) | Violent Crime Rate (% higher than national average) |
| Town Center | 95 | 57 |
| Middlesex | 63 | 47 |
| Martindale / Marlyn Manor | 61 | 45 |
| Welbrook | 58 | 43 |
| Essex Southeast | 54 | 40 |
Town Center
The Town Center neighborhood, situated at the core of Essex along Eastern Boulevard and Back River Neck Road, features a blend of residential and commercial properties, along with some notable historic buildings and landmarks.
Despite its appealing attributes, it faces a significant challenge with the highest crime rate in Essex, recording 95 crimes per square mile. Residents in the Town Center neighborhood have a 1 in 11 likelihood of falling victim to crime, with a violent crime rate that is 57% higher than the national average.
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Middlesex
The Middlesex neighborhood, situated in the northwest region of Essex near the Dundalk border, predominantly consists of single-family homes and apartments, alongside industrial and commercial zones. The area records a crime rate of 63 incidents per square mile, translating to a 1 in 14 likelihood of falling victim to crime.
Notably, the Middlesex neighborhood exhibits a violent crime rate 47% higher than the national average, accompanied by a notable concentration of sex offenders.
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Martindale / Marlyn Manor
The Martindale/Marlyn Manor neighborhood sits in the northeast section of Essex, close to the intersection of Rossville Boulevard and Golden Ring Road. Predominantly consisting of low-income housing and public housing projects, the area also hosts various retail and service businesses.
With a crime rate of 61 incidents per square mile, residing in the Martindale/Marlyn Manor neighborhood presents a 1 in 15 likelihood of falling victim to a crime. Notably, this neighborhood exhibits a violent crime rate 45% higher than the national average, accompanied by an elevated incidence of drug-related offenses.
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Welbrook
The Welbrook community is situated in the southwestern region of Essex, close to the Middle River border. It predominantly consists of mobile homes, trailer parks, farms, and open spaces.
In terms of safety, the Welbrook neighborhood experiences a crime rate of 58 incidents per square mile, with residents facing a 1 in 16 likelihood of becoming crime victims. Notably, Welbrook surpasses the national average with a 43% higher rate of violent crimes and exhibits elevated levels of domestic violence.
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Essex Southeast
The Essex Southeast community is situated in the southeastern region of Essex, alongside the Middle River and the Chesapeake Bay. It predominantly features waterfront properties, marinas, and several parks and recreational spaces.
With a crime rate of 54 incidents per square mile, the Essex Southeast neighborhood poses a 1 in 17 likelihood of experiencing criminal activities. Notably, this area exhibits a violent crime rate 40% higher than the national average and is characterized by a significant incidence of property crimes.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Dundalk, Maryland
Final Words
Here are the top five dangerous neighborhoods in Essex, Maryland, as indicated by the data and information at hand. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that crime is a possibility anywhere, and both residents and visitors should maintain a state of vigilance and exercise caution.
On a positive note, Essex boasts several secure and desirable neighborhoods like Cherry Gardens, Hyde Park, and Cape May Beach.
These areas exhibit lower crime rates and an enhanced quality of life. Despite facing challenges and risks, Essex is a diverse and historically rich community with numerous opportunities and attractions that warrant attention and improvement.
