Harford County, located in northeastern Maryland, is a suburban community of around 255,000 people. The county is well-known for its gorgeous landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural activities, and it has a wide range of attractions.
However, safety levels in Harford County are not uniform. Crime statistics show differences between communities, demonstrating that certain regions have greater crime rates than others. This disparity may pose a risk to residents and visitors.
Harford County Comparison to Other Counties
Harford County has a lower rate of violent crime than both the Maryland state and national norms. It has a higher rate of property crime than the state and national averages. When compared to counties of similar population size, Harford County has a lower rate of both violent and property crime.
To go deeper, the following information highlights the five most precarious neighborhoods in Harford County, as determined by CrimeGrade.org and crime mapping.
Edgewood
Edgewood, located in southern Harford County, is a census-designated place (CDP) with a population of about 26,000.
Notably, it houses the Aberdeen Proving Ground, a US Army facility that tests military equipment and weapons. The region has a crime rate of 42.7 per 1,000 residents, which is roughly double the county average of 22.8.
Aberdeen, located in eastern Harford County, has a population of around 16,000. As the county’s largest municipality, it is home to the Aberdeen Proving Ground South. The city’s crime rate is 44.2 per 1,000 population, about double the county average.
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Havre de Grace
Havre de Grace is located in the eastern section of Harford County, with a population of around 14,000. Located near the junction of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay, the city has a crime rate of 45.5 per 1,000 population, more than double the county average.
Joppatowne
Joppatowne, located in southeastern Harford County, is a census-designated place (CDP) with around 12,000 residents.
Joppatowne, a planned neighborhood developed in the 1960s and 1970s, has a crime rate of 46.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, more than double the county average.
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Bel Air
Bel Air is located in the center of Harford County, with a population of around 10,000 people. Bel Air, which serves as both the county seat and the principal economic hub, with a crime rate of 48.2 per 1,000 population, more than twice the county average.
Safest Neighborhoods in Harford County
West End is the safest neighborhood in Harford County, with a crime rate of 9.8 per 1,000 residents, substantially lower than the county average of 22.8. West End, known for its historic homes, cultural variety, and strong civic activity, sets the bar for safety and community engagement.
Harford County’s other protected communities are Blue Hills, South West, Downtown, Sheldon Charter Oak, South End, and Asylum Hill. These neighborhoods have crime rates between 14.6 and 19.9 per 1,000 population, which is lower than the county average. They also provide a range of services and activities, including parks, museums, restaurants, and educational facilities.
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Final Words
Harford County, Maryland, has a rich diversity and scenic beauty, with many attractions and conveniences for both residents and visitors. Nonetheless, as with any location, there are communities with greater crime rates, that need increased awareness and precautions.
Knowing the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Harford County allows people to make more educated decisions about where they live, work, and travel. Safety must always be prioritized, and any suspicious or criminal situations should be reported to authorities as soon as possible.