Brightwood Neighborhood, Washington

Last updated: May 20, 2026

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Summary: Brightwood, Washington Crime Rate (2026)

Brightwood in Washington, DC has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 74, which is 26% below the national average.

Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 20, 2026.

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low

Low 74 / 300 High

Violent Crime 104

4% above national avg

Property Crime 96

4% below national avg

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in Washington

Is Brightwood Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Brightwood in Washington, DC has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 74, which is 26% below the national average of 100.

Compared to the Washington average (crime index 105), Brightwood is 31% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Washington as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 138, 38% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 63).

Highest Risk

Robbery · Index 138 (38% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Burglary · Index 63 (37% below avg)

Brightwood Crime Breakdown

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

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Washington	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	68	-32%	-39%	Low
Assault	84	-16%	-35%	Average
Robbery	138	+38%	+38%	Moderate
Rape	127	+27%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	63	-37%	-22%	Low
Larceny / Theft	123	+23%	+3%	Moderate
Vehicle Theft	101	+1%	-22%	Moderate

How Brightwood Compares

Crime index by category: Brightwood vs Washington average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Brightwood 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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Brightwood Demographics & Context

Population

13,683

Median Income

$67,599

Home Value

$738,290

Median Age

Pop. Density

18,832/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 16.7%

Graduate Degree 17.8%

Housing

41%

59%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 11.7%

Black 65.3%

Hispanic 26.1%

Asian 1.8%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Takoma / Brightwood / Manor Park Index: 66

B+

Walter Reed Army Medical Center Index: 113

B+

Rock Creek Park Index: 74

A-

Brightwood Park / Crestwood / Petworth / 16th Street Heights Index: 113

Colonial Village / Shepherd Park / North Portal Estates Index: 26

A-

Lamond Riggs / Queens Chapel / Fort Totten / Pleasant Hill Index: 87

Hawthorne / Barnaby Woods / Chevy Chase Index: 48

MedStar Washington Hospital Center / Armed Forces Retirement Home Index: 174

Brightwood Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Washington Crime Statistics

View all Washington neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Brightwood, Washington?

Brightwood in Washington, DC has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 74, which is 26% below the national average. Compared to the Washington average, crime in Brightwood is 31% lower.

Is Brightwood a safe neighborhood in Washington?

Brightwood is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Washington, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 138), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 63).

How does Brightwood compare to the rest of Washington?

Brightwood's overall crime index is 74, compared to the Washington average of 105. This means crime in Brightwood is 31% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 104, and for property crime it is 96. 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 Brightwood?

The most prevalent crime type in Brightwood is Robbery, with a crime index of 138 (38% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Brightwood?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Takoma / Brightwood / Manor Park, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Rock Creek Park and Brightwood Park / Crestwood / Petworth / 16th Street Heights. These areas are close to Brightwood and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Brightwood?

Brightwood has a population of approximately 13,683. The median household income is $67,599. The median home value is $738,290. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Brightwood crime compare to the national average?

Brightwood's overall crime rate is 26% below the national average (index 74 vs 100). 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 May 2026.