Top 10 most dangerous cities in District of Columbia

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is a city steeped in history and political significance. Known for its iconic landmarks such as the White House, the Capitol, and the National Mall, D.C. attracts millions of visitors each year. The city is also a hub for cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian museums and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Despite its prominence, Washington, D.C. faces notable safety challenges in certain neighborhoods. The most dangerous areas in Washington, D.C. are identified by their violent crime rates per 100,000 people, highlighting regions where residents and visitors should remain vigilant. The contrast between the city's political importance and urban crime issues underscores the complexities of life in the nation's capital.

Efforts to enhance safety in D.C. involve a multifaceted approach, including increased police presence, community outreach programs, and social services aimed at reducing violence. These initiatives are crucial in addressing the safety concerns that affect some of the most dangerous areas in Washington, D.C. While these neighborhoods present significant challenges, they also offer opportunities for community engagement and positive change. The city's commitment to fostering safer environments is evident in its proactive measures and the resilience of its residents. Washington, D.C.'s rich history, cultural significance, and political centrality continue to draw people from all over the world, despite the complexities of urban safety concerns. Washington, D.C. is the only area that exists within the district, so it is the only location displayed below.

Washington Population: 701,974 745 violent crimes per 100k
violent crimes per day: 2.04 chance of being a victim: 1 in 134 Total Crimes / 100k: 4,229
Washington, DC holds the distinction of being the #1 most dangerous city in District of Columbia with 745 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The area continues to struggle with elevated assault (351), robbery (324), rape (41) and homicide (29) rates, as the violent crime rate comes in at 8% lower than the District of Columbia average. Contributing to these numbers could be the higher than average rates of poverty, unemployment, and gang activity. Ongoing efforts from local law enforcement and the community have been created to help reduce the crime rates going forward.

Full list of the most dangerous cities in District of Columbia

Rank Location Population Violent Crimes /100k Total Crimes /100k 
1 Washington 701,974 745 4,229

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the most dangerous cities in District of Columbia is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime data (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) per 100,000 people and only included District of Columbia cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying violent crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Violent Crime By State

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Explore our interactive map to discover the most dangerous cities in each state across the USA. This map highlights the states with the highest crime rates, providing insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. From urban centers facing economic hardships to regions grappling with social challenges, the map offers a visual representation of crime hotspots. Click on each state to learn more about its most dangerous cities, the types of crimes most prevalent, and the underlying causes behind these issues.