Columbia Heights West Neighborhood, Arlington

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safer than 34% of neighborhoods in Arlington

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 109 / 300 High
Violent Crime 60
40% below national avg
Property Crime 80
20% below national avg
City Ranking
34%
safer than other
Arlington neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Arlington

Is Columbia Heights West Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Columbia Heights West in Arlington, VA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 109, which is 9% above the national average of 100. Columbia Heights West is safer than 34% of neighborhoods in Arlington.

Compared to the Arlington average (crime index 68), Columbia Heights West is 41% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 111, 11% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 18).

Highest Risk
Murder · Index 111 (11% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 18 (82% below avg)

Columbia Heights West Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
111 +11% Moderate
Assault
18 -82% Low
Robbery
60 -40% Low
Rape
49 -51% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
45 -55% Low
Larceny / Theft
99 -1% Average
Vehicle Theft
96 -4% Average

How Columbia Heights West Compares

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

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Columbia Heights West 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

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Columbia Heights West Demographics & Context

Population
8,056
Median Income
$56,685
Home Value
$352,710
Median Age
32
Pop. Density
28,551/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 23.2%
Graduate Degree 11.4%

Housing

30%
70%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 39.1%
Black 19.1%
Hispanic 55%
Asian 14%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Forest Glen Index: 121
A-
Columbia Forest Index: 87
A-
Glencarlyn Index: 109
A-
Barcroft Index: 70
A
Arlington Forest Index: 49
A+
Claremont Index: 82
A
National Foreign Affairs Training Center Index: 122
A
Douglas Park Index: 125
B+
Columbia Heights West 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 West, Arlington?

Columbia Heights West in Arlington, VA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 109, which is 9% above the national average. Compared to the Arlington average, crime in Columbia Heights West is 41% higher. Columbia Heights West is safer than 34% of neighborhoods in Arlington.

Is Columbia Heights West a safe neighborhood in Arlington?

Columbia Heights West is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Arlington, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 111), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 18).

How does Columbia Heights West compare to the rest of Arlington?

Columbia Heights West's overall crime index is 109, compared to the Arlington average of 68. This means crime in Columbia Heights West is 41% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 60, and for property crime it is 80. 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 West?

The most prevalent crime type in Columbia Heights West is Murder, with a crime index of 111 (11% 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 West?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Forest Glen, Columbia Forest, Glencarlyn and Barcroft. These areas are close to Columbia Heights West and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Columbia Heights West?

Columbia Heights West has a population of approximately 8,056. The median household income is $56,685. The median home value is $352,710. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Columbia Heights West crime compare to the national average?

Columbia Heights West's overall crime rate is 9% above the national average (index 109 vs 100). Within Arlington, it is safer than 34% 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.