Columbia Heights Neighborhood, Arlington

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Arlington

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate

Low 120 / 300 High

Violent Crime 90

10% below national avg

Property Crime 135

35% above national avg

City Ranking

safer than other

Arlington neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Arlington

Is Columbia Heights Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Columbia Heights in Arlington, VA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 120, which is 20% above the national average of 100. Columbia Heights is safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Arlington.

Compared to the Arlington average (crime index 68), Columbia Heights is 52% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 158, 58% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 42). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk

Larceny / Theft · Index 158 (58% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Rape · Index 42 (58% below avg)

Columbia Heights Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Arlington city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Arlington	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	129	+29%	+58%	Moderate
Assault	57	-43%	-26%	Low
Robbery	130	+30%	+38%	Moderate
Rape	42	-58%	N/A	Low
Property Crime
Burglary	111	+11%	+58%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	158	+58%	+72%	High
Vehicle Theft	136	+36%	+53%	Moderate

How Columbia Heights Compares

Crime index by category: Columbia Heights vs Arlington average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Columbia Heights Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Columbia Heights Demographics & Context

Population

4,460

Median Income

$102,073

Home Value

$425,022

Median Age

Pop. Density

22,564/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 43.9%

Graduate Degree 26.3%

Housing

18%

82%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 49.1%

Black 20.4%

Hispanic 19.1%

Asian 18.3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Penrose Index: 96

A-

Army Navy Country Club Index: 74

A-

Arlington Heights Index: 110

A-

Arlington View Index: 49

A-

Alcova Heights Index: 32

Nauck Index: 111

B+

Douglas Park Index: 125

B+

Arlington Ridge Index: 75

A-

Columbia Heights Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Arlington Crime Statistics

View all Arlington neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Columbia Heights, Arlington?

Columbia Heights in Arlington, VA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 120, which is 20% above the national average. Compared to the Arlington average, crime in Columbia Heights is 52% higher. Columbia Heights is safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Arlington.

Is Columbia Heights a safe neighborhood in Arlington?

Columbia Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Arlington, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 158), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 42).

How does Columbia Heights compare to the rest of Arlington?

Columbia Heights's overall crime index is 120, compared to the Arlington average of 68. This means crime in Columbia Heights is 52% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 90, and for property crime it is 135. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in Columbia Heights?

The most prevalent crime type in Columbia Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 158 (58% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near Columbia Heights?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Penrose, Army Navy Country Club, Arlington Heights and Arlington View. These areas are close to Columbia Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Columbia Heights?

Columbia Heights has a population of approximately 4,460. The median household income is $102,073. The median home value is $425,022. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Columbia Heights crime compare to the national average?

Columbia Heights's overall crime rate is 20% above the national average (index 120 vs 100). Within Arlington, it is safer than 9% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.