Washington, DC Crime Rate & Safety

Washington, DC has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 86% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 138 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 26 chance for property crime. Washington has higher crime than 94% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Washington has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 69% of the city's 65 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Georgetown University is one of the safest areas, while Historic Anacostia has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Washington is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Washington are Georgetown University, Spring Valley, Palisades / Wesley Heights / Foxhall Crescent / Foxhall Village / Georgetown Reservoir, Theodore Roosevelt Island, and Woodley Park. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Washington include Historic Anacostia, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Woodland / Fort Stanton / Garfield Heights / Knox Hill, Saint Elizabeths, and Sheridan / Barry Farm / Buena Vista. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Washington is 723.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 90% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 138 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.3 per 100K (86% above average); aggravated assault at 534.7 per 100K (99% above average); robbery at 120.5 per 100K (63% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Washington is 3,828.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 109% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 26 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 382.3 per 100K (42% above average); larceny/theft at 2,794.7 per 100K (99% above average); vehicle theft at 651.3 per 100K (104% above average).

Washington's overall crime rate is 86% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (104% above average), while burglary is 42% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Washington has higher crime than 94% of them.

Visitors to Washington should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 109% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Georgetown University, Spring Valley, Palisades / Wesley Heights / Foxhall Crescent / Foxhall Village / Georgetown Reservoir.

District of Columbia as a whole has crime that is 28% below the national average. Washington's crime rate is 86% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical District of Columbia city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Washington, with an estimated rate of 2,794.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 99% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,828 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (723 per 100K) in Washington, which is consistent with national trends.