Washington, PA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Washington, PA

What is Washington, PA's overall crime grade?

Washington, PA earns an overall crime grade of C for 2026, placing it in the middle tier of safety among Pennsylvania cities of comparable size. A C grade reflects a mixed safety picture: the city is not among the most dangerous communities in the state, but it does experience crime rates that exceed what you'd find in lower-risk suburbs. With a population of roughly 13,404 and a population density of 1,773 residents per square mile, Washington is compact enough that crime patterns in one part of the city can have a noticeable impact on overall statistics. Residents should treat this grade as a prompt to stay informed rather than a reason for alarm — many people live comfortably here, particularly in quieter residential corridors away from higher-activity commercial zones.

How does Washington's poverty rate affect its crime levels?

Washington's poverty rate of 19.7% — nearly double the Pennsylvania statewide average — is one of the most significant socioeconomic factors shaping its crime landscape. Research consistently shows that communities with poverty rates above 15% face elevated pressure on public safety resources. Compounding this, the city's unemployment rate sits at 8.8%, well above typical regional benchmarks, and the median household income is $47,771. These three indicators together help explain why property crimes such as theft and burglary tend to be more prevalent here than in wealthier neighboring communities. That said, socioeconomic stress does not predetermine individual outcomes — Washington's close-knit neighborhoods and active community organizations work to counteract these pressures every day.

What types of crime are most common in Washington, PA?

Property crime consistently represents the largest share of reported incidents in Washington. Theft — including shoplifting and vehicle break-ins — accounts for the plurality of cases, followed by burglary and vandalism. Violent crimes such as assault occur at lower rates but are not negligible, particularly in and around the downtown corridor during evening hours. Drug-related offenses also appear with notable frequency, a pattern common to many southwestern Pennsylvania communities navigating the ongoing opioid recovery challenge. Areas near South Washington and the downtown business district tend to see more incident reports than quieter residential sections closer to the Washington & Jefferson College campus, where community presence and foot traffic contribute to informal surveillance.

Which neighborhoods in Washington, PA are considered safest?

While Washington's overall grade is a C, safety varies meaningfully by neighborhood. Residential areas near the Washington & Jefferson College campus benefit from higher foot traffic, active campus security, and engaged residents — factors that correlate with lower property crime rates. The South Washington neighborhood is frequently cited by long-term residents as one of the more stable and community-oriented parts of the city. Parts of North Franklin Township adjacent to Washington also tend to report fewer incidents. Conversely, blocks closer to the central commercial district and certain corridors near major arterial roads see a disproportionate share of reported theft and disorderly conduct. Using the interactive crime map on this page, you can filter by incident type and date range to see exactly which blocks have been most active in recent months.

Is Washington, PA a good place to buy a home from a safety standpoint?

Washington's median home value of $99,890 and median rent of $722 make it one of the more affordable housing markets in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area — a genuine draw for first-time buyers and renters on a budget. From a safety standpoint, a C crime grade means buyers should factor neighborhood-level data into their decision rather than relying solely on citywide averages. Homes in the South Washington area and blocks surrounding Washington & Jefferson College have historically shown stronger stability and lower incident density. A C grade does not disqualify Washington as a place to live; it simply means due diligence matters. Reviewing 90-day crime trends on the map before making an offer on a specific block is a practical step that can meaningfully inform your decision.

How does Washington, PA's crime rate compare to other Pennsylvania cities?

Among Pennsylvania cities with populations between 10,000 and 20,000, a C overall crime grade places Washington roughly in the middle of the pack. It fares better than several distressed post-industrial communities in the state that carry D or F grades, but it lags behind lower-density boroughs and townships in the same region that benefit from stronger median incomes and lower unemployment. Washington's 8.8% unemployment rate and 19.7% poverty rate are above average for its peer group, which helps explain the C rather than a B. Cities with comparable demographics that have seen crime grades improve over time have typically done so through sustained investment in community policing, economic development, and youth programming — areas where Washington has active, if ongoing, efforts.

What safety precautions should Washington, PA residents take?

Given Washington's C crime grade and the prevalence of property crime in the city, the most impactful precautions are those that reduce opportunity for theft and burglary. Specifically: lock vehicles and remove valuables from sight, use porch lights and motion-sensor lighting, and consider a basic home security system — particularly relevant given the city's median home value of under $100,000, where even modest security investments represent a meaningful percentage of protection relative to asset value. In neighborhoods like downtown Washington and along higher-traffic commercial streets, situational awareness after dark is advisable. Joining or forming a neighborhood watch group — especially in South Washington and surrounding residential blocks — has proven effective in communities with similar demographic profiles. Finally, reporting non-emergency incidents to the Washington Borough Police helps keep the crime map data current and actionable for all residents.