Chinatown Neighborhood, Washington
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Washington
Is Chinatown Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Chinatown in Washington, DC has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Washington average (crime index 105), Chinatown is 49% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 175, 75% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 80).
Chinatown Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Washington city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
154 | +54% | High | |
|
Assault
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
How Chinatown Compares
Crime index by category: Chinatown vs Washington average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Chinatown Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Chinatown Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Chinatown, Washington?
Chinatown in Washington, DC has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 154, which is 54% above the national average. Compared to the Washington average, crime in Chinatown is 49% higher.
Is Chinatown a safe neighborhood in Washington?
Chinatown is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Washington, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 175), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 80).
How does Chinatown compare to the rest of Washington?
Chinatown's overall crime index is 154, compared to the Washington average of 105. This means crime in Chinatown is 49% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 132, and for property crime it is 127. 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 Chinatown?
The most prevalent crime type in Chinatown is Assault, with a crime index of 175 (75% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Chinatown?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include National Mall / West Potomac Park, Logan Circle / Shaw / U Street, Dupont Circle / Connecticut Avenue / K Street and NoMa / Stanton Park / Kingman Park. These areas are close to Chinatown and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Chinatown?
Chinatown has a population of approximately 1,253. The median household income is $131,580. The median home value is $525,720. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Chinatown crime compare to the national average?
Chinatown's overall crime rate is 54% above the national average (index 154 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 April 2026.