Columbia Heights Neighborhood, Washington
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
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in Washington
Is Columbia Heights Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Columbia Heights in Washington, DC has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 137, which is 37% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Washington average (crime index 105), Columbia Heights is 32% 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: 147, 47% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 94).
Columbia Heights 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
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
121 | +21% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
124 | +24% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
94 | -6% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
147 | +47% | Moderate | |
How Columbia Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Columbia Heights vs Washington average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Columbia Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Columbia Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Columbia Heights, Washington?
Columbia Heights in Washington, DC has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 137, which is 37% above the national average. Compared to the Washington average, crime in Columbia Heights is 32% higher.
Is Columbia Heights a safe neighborhood in Washington?
Columbia Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Washington, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Murder (index: 147), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 94).
How does Columbia Heights compare to the rest of Washington?
Columbia Heights's overall crime index is 137, compared to the Washington average of 105. This means crime in Columbia Heights is 32% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 130, and for property crime it is 124. 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?
The most prevalent crime type in Columbia Heights is Murder, with a crime index of 147 (47% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Columbia Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Columbia Heights / Park View, Mount Pleasant, Adams Morgan and National Zoo. These areas are close to Columbia Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Columbia Heights?
Columbia Heights has a population of approximately 32,162. The median household income is $74,912. The median home value is $645,919. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Columbia Heights crime compare to the national average?
Columbia Heights's overall crime rate is 37% above the national average (index 137 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.