Washington, DC Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Washington, DC

The Washington crime rates are 82% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 5003 violent crimes in Washington (745 per 100,000 people), which is 101.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 23408 property crimes (3484 per 100,000 residents) which is 78.3% higher than average.

With a crime rate of 4229 per 100,000 residents, Washington has a crime rate that is 81.96% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Washington that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.

Washington has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 745 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Washington falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 135 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Washington ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Washington, there were a total of 197 murders, translating to 29 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Washington has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Washington reported 3793 vehicle thefts, which equates to 565 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Washington is 1 in 178.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Washington?

What do the local residents think about crime in Washington? Well, based on a recent survey of 295 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 23% of Washington residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 77% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Washington a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Washington, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Washington presents a total crime rate that is 82% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Washington experiences an average of 77.84 daily crimes, comprising 13.71 violent incidents and 64.13 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Washington Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Washington has decreased by 9.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Washington is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 26.7%, while property crime has decreased by 4.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Washington.

Washington Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Washington region comprises an array of over 34 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Washington are exemplars such as Barnaby Woods, Glover Park and Au-Tenleytown, whereas Deanwood, Brentwood and Anacostia grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Washington

Washington has a poverty rate that stands at 15.5, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Washington crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Washington, 87.4% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

The median home price in Washington is $618,100, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Washington crime map