Maryland Home Security Guide

Maryland's overall crime rate is 24.70 per 1,000 residents (2024 FBI data). The violent crime rate is 4.20 per 1,000, about 17% above the national average. Property crime is 20.50 per 1,000, also 16% above average. Baltimore is the main driver of these numbers, while many suburban communities are quite safe.

Maryland is a tale of two states when it comes to safety. Baltimore has one of the highest crime rates in the country at 58 per 1,000 residents. But Montgomery County suburbs like Rockville and Bethesda, plus Howard County communities like Columbia, are extremely safe. Motor vehicle theft is a statewide concern, running well above the national average even in safer suburbs.

Solid options include ADT (many local offices), SimpliSafe for DIY, Ring Alarm for affordable monitoring, and local providers like Maryland Security Professionals and Chesapeake Systems. Given the higher-than-average crime rates, professional monitoring is worth the investment here.

Home security systems in Maryland typically range from $15 to $50 per month for monitoring. Equipment costs run $200 to $600 for DIY systems and $500 to $2000 for professional installation. The DC metro area tends to have higher installation costs than the rest of the state.

Many Maryland jurisdictions require alarm permits. Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County all have alarm registration requirements and false alarm fine schedules. Check with your county or city government for specific requirements.