BALTIMORE, MD—A recent study as identified Baltimore County as the most dangerous county in Maryland in terms of injury-related fatalities. The analysis, performed by MyBioSource, examined data from 2020 to 2024, and found that Baltimore County experienced a dramatic increase of 56 deaths per 100,000 people, the highest rise of any county in the state.

The study measured fatal injuries from both intentional causes, such as homicides and suicides, as well as unintentional accidents, including motor vehicle crashes, falls, and other preventable incidents. The findings highlight a concerning trend, with several rural counties experiencing a sharp increase in fatalities over the past five years.

Counties With the Most Significant Rise in Injury-Related Deaths

Beyond Baltimore City County, several others have seen a steep climb in injury-related deaths. The top 5 counties with the highest increases in fatal injury rates per 100,000 people over five years include:

1. Baltimore County: +56
2. Cecil County: +34
3. Washington County: +33
4. Talbot County: +28
5. Dorchester County: +22

Several counties ranked among the most dangerous are sparsely populated rural areas, where access to emergency medical services may be limited, potentially exacerbating fatal outcomes.

On the other hand, the five safest counties in the state are: Queen Anne’s: 0; Kent: +4;Frederick: +4; Howard: +5; Carroll: +5.

States With the Highest Increase in Injury Deaths

When analyzed on a state level, the study found that West Virginia had the most significant increase in injury-related fatalities, rising by 23 deaths per 100,000 people over five years. This aligns with data showing a continued struggle with high rates of opioid-related deaths, workplace injuries, and motor vehicle accidents. The top five states with the most substantial increases in injury-related deaths were:

1. West Virginia: +23 per 100,000

2. Louisiana: +20 per 100,000

3. Tennessee: +19 per 100,000

4. Delaware: +17 per 100,000

5. Maine: +17 per 100,000

Notably, Southern and Appalachian states dominate the list, pointing to potential regional factors such as higher rates of workplace accidents, firearm-related deaths, and drug overdoses. Maryland emerged in 6th place overall, with an increase of 16 per 100,000 people.

Created by MyBioSource • Viewlarger version

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