20542 Zip Code, Washington

Crime Rate & Statistics

D+

Elevated crime — noticeably above the national average

Safer than 5% of zip codes in Washington

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 155 / 300 High
Violent Crime 154
54% above national avg
Property Crime 155
55% above national avg
City Ranking
5%
safer than other
Washington zip codes

Check a specific address

in Washington

Is 20542 a Safe Zip Code?

No — crime is noticeably above average here. Zip code 20542 in Washington, DC has a safety grade of D+. The overall crime index is 155, which is 55% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 5% of zip codes in Washington.

Compared to the Washington average (crime index 105), zip code 20542 is 50% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 177, 77% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 119).

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 177 (77% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 119 (19% above avg)

20542 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
157 +57% High
Assault
146 +46% Moderate
Robbery
155 +55% High
Rape
158 +58% High
Property Crime
Burglary
119 +19% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
177 +77% High
Vehicle Theft
170 +70% High

How 20542 Compares

Crime index by category: 20542 vs Washington average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

20542 Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

20542 Demographics & Context

Population
299
Median Income
$34,596
Home Value
$462,508
Median Age
34
Pop. Density
22,489/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 8.5%
Graduate Degree 27%

Housing

34%
66%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 15.3%
Black 52.3%
Hispanic 38.8%
Asian 0.9%

Other Zip Codes in Washington

20566 Index: 91
A
20016 Index: 47
A
20229 Index: 89
A
20007 Index: 60
A
20015 Index: 46
A
20008 Index: 78
A
20392 Index: 125
A
20390 Index: 39
A
20045 Index: 189
A
20436 Index: 189
A
20542 Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this zip code
Washington Crime Statistics
View all Washington neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Zip code 20542, Washington?

Zip code 20542 in Washington, DC has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 155, which is 55% above the national average. Compared to the Washington average, crime in Zip code 20542 is 50% higher. Zip code 20542 is safer than 5% of neighborhoods in Washington.

Is Zip code 20542 a safe neighborhood in Washington?

Zip code 20542 has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 177), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 119).

How does Zip code 20542 compare to the rest of Washington?

Zip code 20542's overall crime index is 155, compared to the Washington average of 105. This means crime in Zip code 20542 is 50% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 154, and for property crime it is 155. 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 Zip code 20542?

The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 20542 is Larceny / Theft, 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 Zip code 20542?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 20566, 20016, 20229 and 20007. These areas are close to Zip code 20542 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Zip code 20542?

Zip code 20542 has a population of approximately 299. The median household income is $34,596. The median home value is $462,508. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Zip code 20542 crime compare to the national average?

Zip code 20542's overall crime rate is 55% above the national average (index 155 vs 100). Within Washington, it is safer than 5% of neighborhoods. 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.