As the capital city of the United States, Washington, D.C. is known for its monuments, museums, and political energy. Yet behind its global reputation, the city faces significant safety challenges that many residents and visitors want to understand more clearly. This raises an important question: What is the Washington, D.C. crime rate, and how to keep safe in the new year?
In this guide, we break down the latest crime rate in Washington, D.C. and compare the city’s standing with other major U.S. metros. You’ll also learn which neighborhoods are safest, which areas remain high-risk, and practical tips for living in or visiting DC safely. Dive in now!
What Is the Latest Washington, D.C Crime Rate?
Is Washington, D.C. safe? Washington, D.C. continues to face significant crime challenges, and the full 2024 dataset underscores how the city struggles across both violent and property-crime categories.
With a population of 702,250, the District recorded 6,502 violent crimes in 2024, producing a violent-crime rate of 926 incidents per 100,000 residents—well above the national average. Aggravated assaults (3,004 cases) and robberies (3,080 cases) make up most of the city’s violent crime. D.C. also reported 179 homicides and 239 rapes, reflecting a persistent and serious violent-crime burden.
Property crime remains a larger numerical issue. Washington logged 25,197 property crimes, resulting in a rate of 3,588 incidents per 100,000 residents. Larceny-theft accounted for 18,220 cases, an exceptionally high number even among major U.S. cities. Motor-vehicle theft has become one of the District’s most pressing issues, reaching 5,306 cases, placing Washington among the nation’s leading hotspots for car theft. Burglary contributed 1,671 incidents, a lower figure relative to some similarly sized metros but still a substantial concern.
Overall, the 2024 crime data paints a picture of a city with elevated crime levels in both major categories. While some neighborhoods are considerably safer than the citywide average, Washington, D.C. remains among the more crime-affected large metropolitan areas in the country.
How Does Washington, D.C.’s Crime Rate Compare to Other U.S. Cities?
Understanding how Washington compares both locally and nationally helps clarify where it truly stands.
How Does Washington, D.C. Compare to Cities With Similar Population Size?
Among U.S. cities with populations between 650,000 and 750,000 residents, Washington ranks high—but not at the extreme top. Its violent-crime rate of 926 per 100,000 is elevated but comparable to Denver, which reported 7,170 violent crimes and a very similar per-capita rate. On the other hand, Oklahoma City and El Paso show markedly lower crime: Oklahoma City logged 4,796 violent crimes, and El Paso just 1,890, positioning both well below D.C.’s violent-crime burden.
Property crime follows a similar pattern. Washington’s 25,197 property crimes (or 3,588 per 100,000) place it above Oklahoma City and El Paso but below Denver, which recorded a far higher total of 34,380 property crimes.
Overall, Washington, D.C. sits in the upper-middle tier among similarly sized cities—higher than safer metros but not an extreme outlier like Denver (property crime) or St. Louis and Detroit (violent crime). Rather than being the most dangerous city in its peer group, Washington occupies a middle-high position.
Where Does Washington, D.C. Stand Nationally?
Nationally, Washington ranks high but not among the most extreme cases. Based on its violent-crime rate, the city sits roughly 300th out of nearly 9,000 U.S. jurisdictions, placing it in the upper tier but far from the very top. For property crime, Washington ranks closer to 500th, still elevated but more middle-range compared with thousands of smaller cities and suburbs.
These rankings show that while Washington, D.C. faces serious and persistent safety challenges, it is not the national outlier it is often perceived to be.
Which Washington, D.C. Neighborhoods Are the Safest & Which to Watch?
Safety levels vary widely across Washington, D.C., so choosing the right neighborhood makes a major difference for both residents and visitors.
On the safer end, areas like Georgetown, Woodley Park, and Cleveland Park consistently rank among the most secure. These neighborhoods benefit from strong community engagement, lower incident rates, walkable streets, and well-maintained homes. They also see fewer violent crimes and property crimes compared to the city average, making them popular choices for families, students, and professionals looking for stability and convenience.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, some neighborhoods continue to experience significantly higher crime levels and should be approached with more caution. Areas east of the Anacostia River, such as Deanwood, Congress Heights, and Benning Heights, tend to appear in high-risk rankings due to elevated levels of violent crime, motor-vehicle theft, and burglary. These neighborhoods often face longstanding socioeconomic challenges, less consistent lighting, and lower access to community resources, all of which contribute to their higher crime rates.
How to Live or Visit Safely in Washington, D.C.
Given Washington, D.C.’s elevated crime levels, it is important to stay safe during your time there. Whether you’re a long-term resident or a first-time visitor, these steps can help you navigate the city confidently and reduce your risks.
Choose the Right Area
Where you stay matters in D.C. Crime varies drastically between neighborhoods, so selecting the right base can make a huge difference.
Well-reviewed areas such as Georgetown, Woodley Park, and Cleveland Park generally offer better lighting, stronger community involvement, and lower reported crime rates. Visitors should prioritize hotels or rentals in stable, well-traveled neighborhoods, while residents should choose blocks with active associations and consistent foot traffic. Picking the right area gives you a built-in safety advantage before you even step outside.
Leverage the Power of Tech
Modern security technology is one of the most effective ways to stay protected in Washington, D.C. Whether you’re safeguarding a home or monitoring a short-term stay, the right tools, such as security cameras and video doorbells, dramatically reduce your exposure to risks.
Start with security cameras placed around entrances, driveways, and backyard access points. Outdoor models like the eufyCam S4 deliver 4K clarity, long-range tracking, and smart motion detection that highlights only meaningful activity.
For full-property coverage, upgrading to an NVR system provides far greater protection. The eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max offers 24/7 continuous recording, multi-camera integration, and secure local storage, giving you a unified surveillance network instead of relying on one or two standalone devices.
It’s also worth securing your entry points. A video doorbell helps you screen who’s approaching your home. The eufy Video Doorbell E340 uses dual cameras, color night vision, and instant two-way audio to identify visitors, deter porch theft, and monitor deliveries.
For indoor visibility, the eufy Indoor Cam S350 delivers 4K clarity, AI tracking, and 360° pan-and-tilt coverage, ideal for keeping an eye on hallways, living spaces, or rental interiors.
Build Your Community
Technology, such as cameras, video doorbells, or comprehensive security systems, is powerful, but strong community connections are equally important in Washington, D.C.
Getting to know nearby residents, staying active in neighborhood groups, and sharing alerts creates a collective sense of safety that no device can replace. Communities that communicate, whether through neighborhood apps, group chats, or local associations, are better at spotting suspicious activity early and preventing incidents before they escalate.
Conclusion
So, is Washington, D.C. a safe city? Yes, in some way. The Washington, D.C. crime rate remains higher than the national average, with challenges in both violent and property-crime categories. Yet many neighborhoods are stable, walkable, and significantly safer than the citywide statistics suggest. By investing in smart security systems, such as the eufy ExpertSecure System, you can strengthen your personal safety, protect your home, and enjoy Washington, D.C. with far greater peace of mind.
FAQs
What is the current crime rate in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. reports a violent-crime rate of about 926 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property-crime rate of roughly 3,588 per 100,000. These figures place the District well above national averages, with robbery, assault, and auto theft driving most incidents.
Has the crime rate in Washington, D.C. gone up or down in recent years?
Overall crime in Washington, D.C. has declined in the most recent years, with 2024 marking a significant improvement after a major spike in 2023. Violent crime dropped to its lowest level in decades during 2024.
Which neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. have the highest crime rates?
Some of the highest-crime neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. include Deanwood, Anacostia, Brentwood, and parts of Columbia Heights. These areas typically experience elevated levels of violent crime, motor-vehicle theft, and burglary compared to safer neighborhoods west of Rock Creek Park.
