News Summary
Baltimore has been identified as the third most dangerous city in the United States based on Numbeo’s Crime Index. Although this ranking reflects public perceptions of safety and not official crime stats, the city has achieved significant reductions in crime rates, with a notable decrease in homicides and auto thefts. Mayor Brandon Scott attributes this progress to collaborative public safety strategies while acknowledging ongoing economic challenges that affect community stability.
Baltimore has been ranked as the third most dangerous city in the United States according to Numbeo’s Crime Index. This ranking is derived from crowdsourced perceptions of safety rather than relying solely on official crime statistics. Participants completed surveys evaluating various aspects of public safety and violent crime, with scores reflecting their feelings of security on a scale from 0 (very safe) to 100 (very dangerous).
As of 2025, Memphis, Tennessee, holds the highest crime index score at 78, making it the most unsafe city in the nation. It is followed by Detroit, Michigan, in second place, while Baltimore occupies the third position in terms of perceived safety.
Despite its ranking, Baltimore has reported notable reductions in crime rates this year. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced a significant 50% reduction in homicides compared to the same time in 2024, alongside a 10% decrease in aggravated assaults. The numbers indicate that there have been 68 homicides this year, marking a nearly 23% decline from the previous year’s figures. Additionally, non-fatal shootings have seen a decline of 19%, with 164 incidents reported in 2025 compared to 204 in 2024.
The decrease in crime is further underscored by drops in specific types of theft and robbery. Baltimore is witnessing a 32% reduction in auto thefts and robberies and a 31% decrease in carjackings. The police department also reported that 120 suspects have been arrested for homicide and non-fatal shootings. The clearance rate for these non-fatal shootings stands at 44%, which is 24% higher than the department’s 10-year average.
The ongoing economic challenges in Baltimore are believed to have contributed to the rising poverty rates, which have affected the city’s ability to respond and stabilize communities. Both Baltimore and Detroit are noted to have faced economic struggles stemming from the loss of key industries and jobs. These broader economic issues can exacerbate crime rates as community resources diminish.
Mayor Scott attributes the progress in crime reduction to a comprehensive, evidence-based public safety strategy that has been implemented in collaboration with residents and various law enforcement agencies. While there has been significant progress, the mayor remains aware of the ongoing challenges and emphasizes the need for continued efforts to enhance public safety and foster community trust.
As Baltimore navigates its complexities, residents and officials alike are hopeful that sustained efforts in crime prevention and economic revitalization will lead to improved perceptions of safety and overall quality of life within the city.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Baltimore: Baltimore Ranked Third Most Dangerous US City
- Wikipedia: Violent Crime in the United States
- Baltimore Sun: Baltimore City Crime Numbers
- Google Search: Baltimore crime
- WMAR2 News: Baltimore Mid-Year Crime Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
