Congress Heights Neighborhood, Washington
Crime Rate & Statistics
Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average
Safety at a Glance
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in Washington
Is Congress Heights Safe?
Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Congress Heights in Washington, DC has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Washington average (crime index 105), Congress Heights is 36% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, vehicle theft is the most elevated concern (index: 148, 48% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 95).
Congress 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
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
How Congress Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Congress Heights vs Washington average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Congress 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
Congress Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Congress Heights, Washington?
Congress Heights in Washington, DC has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average. Compared to the Washington average, crime in Congress Heights is 36% higher.
Is Congress Heights a safe neighborhood in Washington?
Congress Heights has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Vehicle Theft (index: 148), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 95).
How does Congress Heights compare to the rest of Washington?
Congress Heights's overall crime index is 141, compared to the Washington average of 105. This means crime in Congress Heights is 36% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 122, and for property crime it is 129. 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 Congress Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Congress Heights is Vehicle Theft, with a crime index of 148 (48% 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 Congress Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and East Potomac Park. These areas are close to Congress Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Congress Heights?
Congress Heights has a population of approximately 8,677. The median household income is $54,271. The median home value is $361,527. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Congress Heights crime compare to the national average?
Congress Heights's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average (index 141 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.