Penn Quarter Neighborhood, Washington
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Washington
Is Penn Quarter Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Penn Quarter in Washington, DC has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 161, which is 61% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Washington average (crime index 105), Penn Quarter is 56% 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: 177, 77% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 65).
Penn Quarter 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
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Assault
|
177 | +77% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
65 | -35% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
94 | -6% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
121 | +21% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
145 | +45% | Moderate | |
How Penn Quarter Compares
Crime index by category: Penn Quarter vs Washington average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Penn Quarter Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Penn Quarter Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Penn Quarter, Washington?
Penn Quarter in Washington, DC has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 161, which is 61% above the national average. Compared to the Washington average, crime in Penn Quarter is 56% higher.
Is Penn Quarter a safe neighborhood in Washington?
Penn Quarter is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Washington, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 177), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 65).
How does Penn Quarter compare to the rest of Washington?
Penn Quarter's overall crime index is 161, compared to the Washington average of 105. This means crime in Penn Quarter is 56% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 122, and for property crime it is 125. 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 Penn Quarter?
The most prevalent crime type in Penn Quarter is Assault, with a crime index of 177 (77% 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 Penn Quarter?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include National Mall / West Potomac Park, Logan Circle / Shaw / U Street, Dupont Circle / Connecticut Avenue / K Street and Foggy Bottom / West End / GWU. These areas are close to Penn Quarter and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Penn Quarter?
Penn Quarter has a population of approximately 1,387. The median household income is $138,819. The median home value is $573,270. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Penn Quarter crime compare to the national average?
Penn Quarter's overall crime rate is 61% above the national average (index 161 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.