Is Barclay Safe, Pros and cons of living in Barclay

Barclay, a neighborhood within Baltimore, Maryland, presents a complex picture for potential residents. While it offers a median home value that is significantly lower than the national average, it also grapples with crime rates that are notably higher than national and city averages. The cost of living is relatively affordable, particularly in housing, but utility costs are higher than the national average. Employment opportunities exist, with several major employers in the vicinity, though specific local unemployment figures for Barclay are not readily available. The climate offers distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters.

Understanding the nuances of Barclay requires a detailed look at its safety, economic landscape, and community characteristics. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering a move to this Baltimore neighborhood, covering essential aspects from crime statistics to school performance and demographic makeup.

Is it Safe to Live in Barclay?

Barclay, MD, experiences a crime rate that is 18.64 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by Area Vibes). Residents generally consider the central part of the city to be the safest area. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Barclay varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 52 in the northeast to 1 in 54 in the central areas (as reported by Area Vibes).

The overall crime index in Barclay is 185, which is 85% above the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Within Baltimore, Barclay is safer than only 3% of neighborhoods. The safety grade for Barclay, as of 2026, is D-, indicating it is a high-crime area. Extra caution is recommended, especially after dark (as reported by DoorProfit).

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Barclay stands at 2.765 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Barclay residents tend to view the central part of the city as the safest. Your risk of experiencing violent crime in Barclay differs by neighborhood, from 1 in 305 in the northeast to 1 in 377 in the central areas (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

The C+ grade indicates that the rate of violent crime is approximately the same as the average U.S. city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). However, it is important to note that crime can vary significantly from block to block, making it advisable to consult detailed crime maps for specific streets (as reported by DoorProfit).

Property Crime Concerns

While specific property crime rates for Barclay are not detailed separately, the overall crime index of 185 (85% above the national average) suggests that property crimes are also a concern (as reported by DoorProfit). The crime score for Barclay is a D-, indicating above-average crime compared to other neighborhoods in Baltimore (as reported by DoorProfit).

This elevated crime index encompasses various categories, with assault, burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft all showing indices above the average (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents should be aware of these statistics and take appropriate precautions to protect their property.

Housing and Cost of Living

The housing market in Barclay, Baltimore, MD, presents a median home value of $185,785 as of March 2026, which has seen a 2.7% decrease over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Homes in Barclay sell after an average of 39 days on the market, a faster pace compared to last year’s 68 days (as reported by Redfin).

Barclay’s housing expenses are 13% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Utility prices, however, are 18% higher than the national average, and transportation costs are on par with the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are 2% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Home Prices and Trends

In February 2026, home prices in Barclay were down 15.9% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $190,000 (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot in Barclay is $241, an increase of 74.6% since last year (as reported by Redfin).

The Barclay housing market is described as somewhat competitive, scoring 69 out of 100 (as reported by Redfin). In February 2026, there were 9 homes sold, an increase from 8 homes sold in the same month last year (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market Insights

Specific data for the average rent in Barclay is not readily available from the provided sources. However, listings show rents for apartments such as 314 E 22nd St at $2,400, and 2436 N Calvert St APT 5 at $1,600 (as reported by Zillow). These figures offer a glimpse into the rental costs in the area, though a comprehensive average is not provided.

The national average rent is $1,910 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). While direct comparisons for Barclay are limited, this national figure provides a benchmark for rental costs.

Overall Cost of Living

Barclay, Maryland’s overall cost of living is 5% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This is largely driven by lower housing expenses, which are 13% below the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, utility prices are 18% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Healthcare costs in Barclay are 6% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are marginally higher, at 2% above the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

Information regarding the average salary and unemployment rate specifically for the Barclay neighborhood is not directly available in the provided search results. However, data for Barclays, the financial institution, shows an average annual salary of $119,677 in the United States as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries at Barclays typically range from $105,572 to $134,973 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Major employers in the broader Baltimore area contribute to the local job market. While specific employers for Barclay are not listed, the presence of large organizations in the vicinity suggests employment opportunities. For context, Barclays, the bank, operates globally and has a significant presence in the US, with offices in locations like New York, Henderson, Whippany, and Wilmington (as reported by Barclays).

Employment Opportunities

Barclays, the financial services company, offers a wide range of roles, from analyst positions requiring financial acumen and strong analytical skills to those in risk management, compliance, technology, and operations (as reported by Barclays). Collaboration across departments is a key aspect of its work culture, emphasizing the importance of communication and adaptability (as reported by Barclays).

The company is known for its innovation in digital banking and has a substantial presence in both UK and international markets (as reported by Barclays). This suggests a dynamic environment for those seeking employment in the financial sector.

Average Salaries and Income

For Barclays employees in the United States, the average annual salary is approximately $119,677 as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This salary can range from $105,572 to $134,973, depending on the role and experience level (as reported by ZipRecruiter). A Banking Associate at Barclays can earn an average of $198,456 annually in the United States (as reported by Indeed.com).

In Barclay, MD, the median household income is reported as $40,256 (as reported by DoorProfit). This figure provides a local economic context for the area’s residents.

Unemployment Trends

Specific unemployment data for Barclay, MD, is not provided in the search results. However, broader economic trends can be inferred from related reports. For instance, Barclays has revised its UK unemployment forecast upward, expecting it to peak at 5.4% in the second quarter of 2026 (as reported by Investing.com). This indicates a general economic climate where unemployment rates are a point of focus.

In March 2026, Britain’s unemployment rate unexpectedly increased to 5%, signaling a cooling labor market (as reported by Investing.com). This broader economic context, while not specific to Barclay, highlights the importance of monitoring employment trends.

Climate and Weather

Barclay, Maryland, experiences a climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The warmest month is July, with average maximum temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit, while January is the coldest, with average minimum temperatures in the 30s Fahrenheit (as reported by IDcide).

Temperature variations between day and night are moderate in the summer, with a difference that can reach 22 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, this difference is more limited, averaging around 19 degrees Fahrenheit (as reported by IDcide).

Seasonal Temperatures

The average maximum temperature in July, the warmest month, is around 87.1°F, and the average minimum is 64.7°F (as reported by IDcide). In January, the coldest month, the average maximum temperature is 42.1°F, and the average minimum is 23.5°F (as reported by IDcide).

The mean temperature across the year is approximately 54.9°F (as reported by IDcide). Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, with average monthly temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 70s Fahrenheit.

Average Rainfall and Precipitation

The annual average precipitation in Barclay is approximately 9.99 inches (as reported by IDcide). Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with May being the wettest month, receiving an average of 4.32 inches of rain (as reported by IDcide).

Other months also receive significant rainfall, with January (3.50 inches), February (2.95 inches), March (4.22 inches), April (3.36 inches), and June (3.88 inches) all contributing to the yearly total (as reported by IDcide). This consistent rainfall pattern supports the region’s climate.

Education and Demographics

Barclay Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore, MD, is a public school serving 398 students in grades PK-8. It has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. State test scores indicate that only 5% of students are proficient in math and 26% in reading (as reported by Niche).

The school’s overall Niche grade is C-, and it ranks worse than 81.5% of elementary schools in Maryland. It is part of the Baltimore City Public Schools district, which has a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger).

School Performance and Ratings

Barclay Elementary/Middle School consistently ranks in the bottom 20% of Maryland elementary schools. Its proficiency rates on state assessments are significantly lower than the Baltimore City and Maryland state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger). For example, in 2024-2025, only 4.9% of Barclay students were proficient in Math, compared to 12.6% for Baltimore City and 26.5% for Maryland (as reported by SchoolDigger).

The school also exhibits extremely high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 48.7% to 58.7% over the past four years (as reported by SchoolDigger). Despite spending significantly more per student than the district average, academic outcomes remain poor (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Population and Diversity

Barclay, Maryland, has an estimated population of 179 in 2026, showing a decline from the 184 recorded in the 2020 Census (as reported by World Population Review). The racial composition includes 43.56% other races, 33.78% White, and 20.89% Black or African American (as reported by World Population Review).

Barclay has become more racially diverse since the 2020 Census, with a diversity index of 63.7% in the most recent estimates (as reported by World Population Review). It ranks as the 441st most populous place in Maryland out of 536 places (as reported by World Population Review).

Median Age and Gender Distribution

The median age in Barclay is 37.9 years, with males averaging 36.5 years and females averaging 38 years (as reported by World Population Review). For every 100 females, there are 71.8 males in Barclay (as reported by World Population Review).

This age and gender distribution provides a demographic snapshot of the community. The median age suggests a mix of working-age adults and older residents.

Pros and Cons of Living in Barclay

Living in Barclay offers a mixed bag of advantages and disadvantages. The primary draw is the lower cost of housing, with median home values significantly below the national average (as reported by Zillow and Redfin). This affordability can be a major factor for individuals and families looking to purchase a home.

Conversely, Barclay faces significant challenges related to safety. Crime rates are considerably higher than both the national and city averages, necessitating a high degree of vigilance (as reported by Area Vibes and DoorProfit). The educational system also presents concerns, with local schools showing low proficiency rates and high absenteeism (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger).

Advantages of Barclay

The most compelling advantage of Barclay is its affordability in terms of housing. The median home value of $185,785 (as reported by Zillow) or $190,000 (as reported by Redfin) is substantially lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible. Additionally, the overall cost of living is 5% lower than the national average, primarily due to these housing cost savings (as reported by Payscale).

Healthcare costs are also slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). The climate offers four distinct seasons, which can be appealing to those who enjoy varied weather patterns throughout the year (as reported by IDcide).

Disadvantages of Barclay

The most significant disadvantage of Barclay is its high crime rate. With an overall crime index of 185, which is 85% above the national average, and a safety grade of D-, residents must exercise constant caution (as reported by DoorProfit). This elevated crime rate impacts the sense of security for those living in or considering moving to the neighborhood.

Furthermore, the performance of local schools is a considerable drawback. Barclay Elementary/Middle School demonstrates low student proficiency in math and reading and suffers from high chronic absenteeism rates, ranking among the bottom performers in the state (as reported by SchoolDigger). Utility costs are also higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).