Petworth Neighborhood, Washington
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Summary: Petworth, Washington Crime Rate (2026)
Petworth in Washington, DC has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 98, which is 2% below the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 20, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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Is Petworth Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Petworth in Washington, DC has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 98, which is 2% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Washington average (crime index 105), Petworth is 7% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 106, 6% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 71).
Petworth 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
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
103 | +3% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
82 | -18% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
72 | -28% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
94 | -6% | Average | |
How Petworth Compares
Crime index by category: Petworth vs Washington average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Petworth Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Petworth Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Petworth, Washington?
Petworth in Washington, DC has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 98, which is 2% below the national average. Compared to the Washington average, crime in Petworth is 7% lower.
Is Petworth a safe neighborhood in Washington?
Petworth is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Washington, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 106), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 71).
How does Petworth compare to the rest of Washington?
Petworth's overall crime index is 98, compared to the Washington average of 105. This means crime in Petworth is 7% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 87, and for property crime it is 91. 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 Petworth?
The most prevalent crime type in Petworth is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 106 (6% 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 Petworth?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Brightwood Park / Crestwood / Petworth / 16th Street Heights, The Catholic University of America, Lamond Riggs / Queens Chapel / Fort Totten / Pleasant Hill and Columbia Heights / Park View. These areas are close to Petworth and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Petworth?
Petworth has a population of approximately 13,372. The median household income is $81,974. The median home value is $776,880. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Petworth crime compare to the national average?
Petworth's overall crime rate is 2% below the national average (index 98 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.