Crime and Pollution in Baltimore

Crime Data in Baltimore

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Baltimore continues to face significant challenges in crime and public safety. The crime index indicates a high level of concern among residents, particularly driven by ongoing issues with drug-related crimes and violent offenses.

The overall sentiment about safety in Baltimore shows notable distress, especially during nighttime, reflecting the city's struggle to ensure public safety.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - High levels of anxiety surrounding property crimes, including theft and home burglaries, underscore a major challenge for Baltimore. These crimes contribute significantly to the public's unease and are regarded as prevalent issues in the city.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related activities remain a critical concern for Baltimore residents, exacerbating public fears and impacting community health and safety. This is seen as a pressing issue that requires urgent attention and action.
• Violent Crimes - Residents of Baltimore express deep concerns over violent crimes, including assault and robbery, which considerably affect perceptions of safety. These concerns highlight an urgent need for robust law enforcement strategies.
• Public Safety - Safety in daylight hours remains relatively uncertain, and the perception of risk drastically increases at night. Citizens often report feeling unsafe when alone, emphasizing critical areas for improvement in public safety strategies.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - A notable worry among Baltimoreans is the perception that crime is rising. This sentiment is particularly pronounced in relation to corruption, bribery, and violent incidents, affecting community trust and cohesion.
• Specific Fears - There's an evident fear concerning specific crimes, such as car theft and break-ins, alongside drug-related offenses. Additionally, worries about being targeted based on personal characteristics like race, ethnicity, or religion are present, indicating a nuanced landscape of insecurity.

Summary of Crime in Baltimore

Despite these pressing issues, efforts are ongoing to curb crime rates through enhanced policing and community programs. Continued focus on reducing violent and drug-related crimes is crucial to fostering a safer environment for all Baltimore residents.

Crime Rankings

Baltimore ranks 3rd on the Crime rankings in United States. The crime ranking by city for the United States is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Memphis

Tennessee

2. Detroit

Michigan

3. Baltimore

Maryland

4. Albuquerque

New Mexico

5. Saint Louis

Missouri

6. Oakland

California

7. New Orleans

Louisiana

8. Milwaukee

Wisconsin

9. Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

10. Chicago

Illinois

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Baltimore's efforts to manage air quality reflect progress, yet challenges remain. With a moderate air pollution index, the city must address environmental factors affecting public health, particularly in urban areas.

Concerns over particulate matter levels, such as PM2.5 and PM10, highlight ongoing health concerns, necessitating policies to mitigate pollution impacts.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - Levels of PM2.5 in Baltimore are considered moderate, posing health risks, especially to sensitive groups, and reinforce the need for effective pollution control measures.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 levels contribute to the city's moderate pollution status, fluctuating with urban activity and weather patterns, highlighting the need for consistent monitoring and action.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a significant issue in Baltimore, primarily due to traffic and urban density, affecting residents' quality of life.

Satisfaction with garbage disposal is relatively high, but some areas still report issues, impacting cleanliness and public perception of city infrastructure.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Satisfaction regarding garbage disposal services is reasonably favorable, yet disparities exist across neighborhoods, pointing to the need for improved waste management solutions.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise and light pollution remain persistent obstacles, particularly in high-traffic areas, challenging residents' peace and highlighting areas for infrastructural improvement.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Baltimore's green spaces are invaluable assets, offering residents vital recreational and environmental benefits amidst urban challenges.

Drinking water quality is a mixed domain, with accessibility and quality concerns that require ongoing attention to ensure safety and reliability for all.

• Green and Parks Quality - The quality of green areas in Baltimore is appreciated by residents, serving as key spaces for relaxation and community activities, and contributing to environmental well-being.
• Drinking Water Quality - Concerns regarding drinking water quality and accessibility suggest areas for improvement, ensuring all residents have access to safe and clean water supplies.

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for the United States is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Los Angeles

California

2. Salt Lake City

Utah

3. Detroit

Michigan

4. New York

New York

5. Phoenix

Arizona

6. Houston

Texas

7. New Orleans

Louisiana

8. Las Vegas

Nevada

9. Chicago

Illinois

10. San Francisco

California