Is Greenbelt Safe, Pros and cons of living in Greenbelt

Greenbelt, Maryland, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive option for many seeking a place to call home. This planned community, established during the New Deal era, retains much of its original character while embracing modern amenities and a diverse population. Its proximity to Washington D.C. provides residents with ample opportunities for employment and cultural enrichment, yet Greenbelt maintains its own distinct identity.

The city is known for its green spaces and commitment to community living, evident in its cooperative housing initiatives and well-maintained parks. This environment fosters a sense of belonging and offers a high quality of life for those who choose to settle here. Exploring Greenbelt means discovering a place where history, nature, and community converge.

Is it Safe to Live in Greenbelt?

Greenbelt’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a total crime rate of 5,026.3 per 100,000 residents (as reported by various sources including FBI data). This rate is significantly higher than the national average of 2,752.3 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI data). The city ranks in the 4th percentile for safety, indicating that it has a higher crime rate than 96% of U.S. cities (as reported by FBI data).

Violent crime in Greenbelt stands at 649.0 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 473.3 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI data). Property crime is also a concern, with a rate of 4,377.3 per 100,000 people, exceeding the national average by 148.7% (as reported by FBI data). Specifically, robbery is a significant issue, with a rate of 326.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 3.5 times the national average (as reported by FBI data).

However, not all crime categories are elevated. Murder rates in Greenbelt are notably low, at 0.0 times the national rate (as reported by FBI data). Additionally, reported breaking and entering incidents have decreased significantly over the past decade (as reported by City of Greenbelt crime reports). While the northwest part of the city is generally considered safer, crime rates can vary by neighborhood, with some southern neighborhoods experiencing higher risks (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Greenbelt presents a balanced entry point for prospective buyers. The median listing home price in Greenbelt is approximately $239,900 (as reported by Realtor.com). Other sources indicate a median home value of $285,336, which has seen a slight decrease of 1.8% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Single-family homes typically range from $350,000 to $450,000, while condos and townhouses are generally priced between $200,000 and $320,000 (as reported by LivingInMaryland.com).

For renters, Greenbelt offers a range of options, though costs are slightly higher than the national average. The average rent in Greenbelt is approximately $2,058 per month, which is 2.9% higher than the national average of $2,000 (as reported by Zumper). One-bedroom apartments average around $1,917 per month, while two-bedroom apartments are closer to $2,304 per month (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent tend to be more expensive, averaging about $2,600 per month (as reported by Zumper).

The rental market reflects steady demand, with a median rent of $2.3K per month (as reported by Greenbelt, MD Housing Market). In March 2026, Greenbelt was considered a buyer’s market, indicating that home supply exceeded demand (as reported by Greenbelt, MD Housing Market). Homes in Greenbelt typically sell after about 75 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).

Job Market and Economic Outlook

Greenbelt’s job market is supported by a diverse range of industries. The most common employment sectors for residents include educational services, public administration, and health care and social assistance (as reported by Data USA). Management, office and administrative support, and sales-related occupations are also prevalent among the city’s workforce (as reported by Data USA).

The average salary in Greenbelt, Maryland, is approximately $79,290 per year, with an hourly rate of about $38 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Another source indicates the average annual salary as $65,532, equating to about $31.51 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Greenbelt typically range from $46,060 to $83,746 annually, depending on occupation and experience (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Greenbelt is reported to be 3% (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). However, other data suggests the unemployment rate in Greenbelt is 24% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Maryland’s overall unemployment rate was 4.3% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Greenbelt experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 88°F and lows around 68°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The hot season generally spans from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 79°F (as reported by Weather and Climate).

Winters are cold, snowy, and windy. The coldest month is typically January, with average high temperatures around 44°F and average lows of 28°F (as reported by Weather and Climate). The cold season lasts from late November to early March, with daily high temperatures usually remaining below 52°F (as reported by Weather and Climate).

The city receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year. May is generally the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 3.5 inches (as reported by Weather and Climate). The month with the most wet days is typically July, averaging about 11.4 days with precipitation (as reported by Weather and Climate). Snowfall is most pronounced in February, with an average accumulation of 5.5 inches (as reported by Weather and Climate).

Education and School System

Greenbelt is served by the Prince George’s County Public Schools district, which includes several schools within the city. Among the top-ranked public schools are Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Dora Kennedy French Immersion, and Greenbelt Elementary School (as reported by Best Public Schools in Greenbelt, MD). These schools are recognized for their performance in standardized testing and overall academic offerings.

However, the district as a whole faces challenges. Greenbelt Middle School, for instance, ranks in the bottom 50% of Maryland schools for overall test scores, with math and reading proficiency below the state average (as reported by Greenbelt Middle School). Math proficiency in Greenbelt public schools averages 26%, and reading proficiency is 48%, both of which are close to the Maryland state averages (as reported by Best Public Schools in Greenbelt, MD).

Despite some lower-performing schools, there are notable exceptions. Dora Kennedy French Immersion is recognized as an exceptional elementary/middle school magnet program, consistently ranking among the top 25% of elementary schools in Maryland (as reported by Best Public Schools in Greenbelt, MD). Eleanor Roosevelt High School also stands out as a high-performing institution, ranking in the top 30% of Maryland high schools (as reported by Best Public Schools in Greenbelt, MD).

Demographics and Community Profile

Greenbelt is a diverse city with a population of approximately 24,700 residents (as reported by Data USA). The racial makeup is varied, with a significant Black or African American population, making up about 48.2% of residents (as reported by Census Dots). White residents constitute approximately 19.0%, followed by Hispanic residents at 19.2% (as reported by Census Dots).

The city has a notable foreign-born population, with about 29.3% of residents born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Greenbelt is around 34.6 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (53.3%) compared to males (46.7%) (as reported by Census Dots).

The median household income in Greenbelt is approximately $85,997 (as reported by Census Dots). The cost of living in Greenbelt is considered relatively high, being 14% higher than the national average and 8% higher than the Maryland average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Housing costs are a primary driver of this higher cost of living (as reported by Salary.com).