Waldorf, situated in Charles County, Maryland, hosts a population of approximately 81,000 residents. Positioned around 23 miles south of Washington, D.C., it forms part of the broader Washington metropolitan area.
While Waldorf is recognized for its shopping centers, parks, and historical landmarks, it also encompasses areas that pose safety concerns for both locals and visitors.
As reported by NeighborhoodScout, a platform offering crime data and statistics for U.S. cities, Waldorf exhibits a crime rate of 18 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 14. The likelihood of falling victim to either violent or property crime in Waldorf stands at 1 in 56, which is slightly better than the state average of 1 in 49.
It’s worth noting that specific neighborhoods within Waldorf experience significantly higher crime rates than others, designating them as the city’s more precarious areas.
How Does the Crime Rate of Waldorf Compare to Other Cities?
Waldorf’s crime rate surpasses the national and state averages but is lower than that of certain cities with comparable population sizes.
| City | Crime rate per 1,000 residents | Chance of becoming a victim of crime |
| Waldorf | 18 | 1 in 56 |
| Bowie | 12 | 1 in 83 |
| Frederick | 21 | 1 in 48 |
As an illustration, Waldorf exhibits a crime rate of 18 per 1,000 residents, whereas Bowie, MD, reports a lower rate at 12 per 1,000 residents.
Nevertheless, Waldorf’s crime rate is lower than that of Frederick, MD, which stands at 21 per 1,000 residents. Additionally, the crime rate in Waldorf fluctuates among neighborhoods, with certain areas being more perilous than others.
Highlighted below are the five riskiest neighborhoods in Waldorf, determined by crime data sourced from NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade:
St Charles East
St. Charles East, situated in the eastern section of Waldorf near the St. Charles border, is home to approximately 9,000 residents. The neighborhood has a crime rate of 24 incidents per 1,000 residents, with a likelihood of 1 in 42 of falling victim to crime—higher than the citywide average of 1 in 56.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Merrimack County, New Hampshire
West Charles Crossing
West Charles Crossing, situated in the western region of Waldorf close to the junction of Crain Highway and Berry Road, is a neighborhood inhabited by approximately 4,000 individuals. The area exhibits a crime rate of 26 per 1,000 residents, resulting in a 1 in 39 likelihood of falling victim to crime, surpassing the citywide average of 1 in 56.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of Oregon
White Plains
White Plains, located in the northern part of Waldorf near the Prince George’s County border, is home to approximately 6,000 residents. The neighborhood has a crime rate of 28 incidents per 1,000 residents, resulting in a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim of crime, which is higher than the citywide average of 1 in 56.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Strafford County, New Hampshire
Beantown / St. Charles
Beantown/St. Charles, situated in the southern region of Waldorf near the La Plata border, is a neighborhood with approximately 7,000 residents. The area has a crime rate of 30 incidents per 1,000 residents, and the likelihood of falling victim to crime in Beantown/St. Charles is 1 in 34, surpassing the citywide average of 1 in 56.
Read More:This City Has Been Named the Healthiest Place to Live in North Carolina
Fieldside / Broadview
Fieldside/Broadview is a central Waldorf neighborhood situated close to the St. Charles Towne Center mall. With a population of around 5,000 people, the area has a crime rate of 32 incidents per 1,000 residents. The likelihood of falling victim to a crime in Fieldside/Broadview is 1 in 31, surpassing the city average of 1 in 56.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Cheapest Place to Live in Colorado
Final Words
Waldorf boasts numerous attractions and amenities; however, like any city, it also harbors neighborhoods with a higher propensity for crime and violence. Familiarizing yourself with the five most perilous areas in Waldorf can help you steer clear of unnecessary risks and ensure your safety.
It’s important to note that crime rates are subject to change, and various sources may employ distinct methods for data collection and analysis.
Exercise prudence and common sense whenever you visit any location, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Waldorf is not beyond redemption, but it necessitates increased attention and investment to enhance its security and overall quality of life.
