Shirlington Neighborhood, Arlington
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 28% of neighborhoods in Arlington
Safety at a Glance
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in Arlington
Is Shirlington Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Shirlington in Arlington, VA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average of 100. Shirlington is safer than 28% of neighborhoods in Arlington.
Compared to the Arlington average (crime index 68), Shirlington is 59% 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: 140, 40% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 77).
Shirlington 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
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
90 | -10% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
How Shirlington Compares
Crime index by category: Shirlington vs Arlington average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Shirlington Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Shirlington Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Shirlington, Arlington?
Shirlington in Arlington, VA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average. Compared to the Arlington average, crime in Shirlington is 59% higher. Shirlington is safer than 28% of neighborhoods in Arlington.
Is Shirlington a safe neighborhood in Arlington?
Shirlington is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Arlington, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 140), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 77).
How does Shirlington compare to the rest of Arlington?
Shirlington's overall crime index is 127, compared to the Arlington average of 68. This means crime in Shirlington is 59% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 100, and for property crime it is 116. 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 Shirlington?
The most prevalent crime type in Shirlington is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 140 (40% 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 Shirlington?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Fairlington, Nauck, Douglas Park and Long Branch Creek. These areas are close to Shirlington and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Shirlington?
Shirlington has a population of approximately 3,002. The median household income is $120,456. The median home value is $605,713. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Shirlington crime compare to the national average?
Shirlington's overall crime rate is 27% above the national average (index 127 vs 100). Within Arlington, it is safer than 28% 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.