Is Gaithersburg, MD Safe?
Gaithersburg in Montgomery County blends Olde Towne’s railroad history with newer communities like Kentlands and Lakelands. Gaithersburg real estate reflects that mix, with historic properties near Olde Towne and newer homes in Kentlands and Lakelands.
It’s a suburban city along I-270, close to Rockville and Germantown, with its own police department plus county support. Like most metro areas near D.C., crime varies by neighborhood and by type, so the numbers tell only part of the story.
What Are The Official Gaithersburg Crime Rates?
The Gaithersburg Police Department reports through the FBI’s NIBRS system, which tracks crimes against persons, property, and society. In 2023, there were 738 crimes against persons and 2,532 against property, with shoplifting, theft from vehicles, and stolen cars driving the increases. Overall crime was up about 12% compared with 2022.
By 2024 the numbers moved the other way. City data shows crimes against persons dropped to 619, down 16%, while property crimes fell to just over 2,000, a 21% decline. Montgomery County’s 2024 annual report points to similar decreases countywide.
How Does Crime In Gaithersburg MD Compare To U.S. Averages?
FBI figures show both violent and property crime went down nationwide in 2024. Gaithersburg followed that trend. Since NIBRS counts simple assault along with aggravated offenses, local totals can look larger than older “violent crime” reports.
Aggregators that convert the FBI data into per-capita rates usually place Gaithersburg close to state medians. Property crimes make up most of the city’s incidents, while violent crime stays lower.
How Does Crime In Gaithersburg MD Compare To Nearby Cities?
Rockville and Germantown are the closest comparisons. Montgomery County data shows all three saw declines in 2024. Rockville’s mix of commercial corridors and neighborhoods produces a similar profile, while Germantown’s larger residential footprint changes when and where property crimes peak. Comparing ZIP codes on the county’s open-data map is the best way to see how Gaithersburg stacks up against its neighbors.
How to Research Crime Data for Specific Neighborhoods in Gaithersburg MD?
Start with the Gaithersburg Police annual reports, then use the Montgomery County crime map. You can filter by ZIP code, date, or offense type and look directly at places like Kentlands, Olde Towne, or Rio Lakefront. For bigger-picture context, the FBI Crime Data Explorer and Maryland state dashboards show how Gaithersburg compares with statewide figures.
Who Provides Law Enforcement and Emergency Services in Gaithersburg MD?
The Gaithersburg Police Department handles city patrols and investigations. They work alongside the Montgomery County Police Department’s 6th District station, which is also based in Gaithersburg and covers Montgomery Village. Fire and EMS are provided countywide by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue.
Is There A Community Watch in Gaithersburg?
Yes. The city runs a Neighborhood Watch program and offers training, security surveys, and support for local organizers. Alert Gaithersburg provides citywide emergency messages, and Alert Montgomery covers the larger county. National Night Out and other city events give residents chances to meet officers and learn about crime prevention.
FAQs: Gaithersburg MD Crime and Safety
What types of crime are most common in Gaithersburg?
Property crime makes up the largest share of reported incidents, especially theft categories like shoplifting, theft from vehicles, and motor vehicle theft, which saw spikes in 2023 before easing in 2024. Crimes against persons also occur, but the 2023 increase was driven mostly by simple assault rather than aggravated offenses.
How recent are the numbers used here?
City counts come from the Gaithersburg Police Department’s 2023 annual report, which covers calendar year 2023. County trends for 2024 come from Montgomery County’s 2024 Annual Report on Crime and Safety, and the city’s own dashboard shows 2024 declines in both persons and property categories.
Where can I compare neighborhoods or ZIP codes within Gaithersburg?
Use Montgomery County’s crime incident map to filter by address, police district, beat, or date range. It is updated from the county’s records system and lets you compare locations like Kentlands, Olde Towne, Rio Lakefront, or areas near I-270 over different time frames.