Washington D.C. the nation’s capital, a city of dreams, and sadly enough, a hub for crime statistics that mostly depict a grim picture.
But how much of this reputation is really justified? Is Washington, DC safe for tourists and residents ? Let’s span the numbers and separate fact from fiction.
While D.C. does have its crime problems, especially in certain neighborhoods, the truth is that most tourists or residents who spend time in popular spots find it much safer than they often think.
We have researched authentic sources and credible crime reports from the Metropolitan police department (MPD), the DC crime cards, and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to bring you the most updated crime data.
Join us in the analysis of crime data, safe zones, and perfect tips on how to maneuver through the country’s capital.
Washington D.C. crime stats 2025:
| Offense in 2025 | Q1 | Q1 – Q2 | Q1 – Q3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 80% | 60% | 69% |
| Gun | 84% | 53% | 66% |
| Knife | 100% | 120% | 91% |
| Other/None | 33% | 83% | 67% |
The Washington DC quarterly crime report gives a quarterly analysis of how crime has reduced over the months in 2025.
Clearance rates improved across all major violent crimes from 2023 through 2025, with homicide rising from 52 percent in 2023 to 69 percent by Q1 to Q3 of 2025.
Gun cases remain the hardest to solve, consistently posting lower clearance rates than knife and other-weapon cases, which often exceed 70 percent and sometimes surpass 100 percent due to solving older cases.
The district crime data shows robberies and non-fatal shootings show the lowest overall clearance, but both trend upward over the three-year span, suggesting operational or investigative gains.
Is Washington, DC safe in 2026?
Image courtesy of Statista.
If you are planning to move to or start a business in Washington, DC, in 2026, we recommend you see how 2025 has been for the locals and tourists.
Crime in Washington, D.C. is genuinely moving in a better direction this year. Even CNN reports a decline in crime. Compared with 2024, overall crime is down about seven percent in the first half of 2025.
The biggest improvement is in violent crime, which has dropped by roughly 22% through May and June.
Meanwhile, theft has been soaring in some areas of Washington, D.C.
Are boundaries in Washington, DC, safe for tourists and residents?
Southeast and Northeast Washington D.C:
Southeast D.C., particularly those neighborhoods across the Anacostia River, are considered less desirable and should be approached with caution.
Overall, as you move further south and east, crime and poverty become more concentrated, particularly around Congress Heights in Southeast D.C.
These areas, characterized by higher crime rates, may present opportunities for developing affordable housing in the surrounding suburban communities.
Northeast D.C:
Although generally safer than Southeast, safety in Northeast D.C. varies widely.
Areas like Brookland and those near Catholic University tend to be more stable and safe, much like the neighborhoods closer to the Maryland border.
In general, neighborhoods made up primarily of single-family homes in Northeast are often considered safer and more stable compared to those with rowhomes.
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Rock Creek Park Boundary:
Rock Creek Park serves as a natural boundary that distinguishes different areas within the district. Some of the most successful areas of the city are located on the west side.
The localities such as Cleveland Park, Tenleytown, and Friendship Heights are, in general, very quiet residential roads lined with single-family homes and business districts with fancy restaurants and stores catering to more well-off clients.
East of Rock Creek Park:
To the east of Rock Creek Park, also located within Northwest D.C., are overcrowded neighborhoods. These are the top choices of residents with big families because of the proximity to shopping malls, offices and much more!
Is Washington, DC, safe for tourists in 2026?
Yes, generally, areas west of Capitol Street in Washington, D.C. tend to be safer and more desirable. In fact, life in Washington, D.C. is not unpleasant!
According to the 2025 crime data from the D.C. Police Department, crime levels in D.C. have fluctuated but remained under control, especially in areas with high tourist traffic.
While Florida is the most visited state in the USA. Washington, DC saw huge tourism in the summer 2025. It was ranked the third-best summer travel destination in 2025.
An example is that while some neighborhoods showed increases in theft rates, violent crimes such as assaults and homicides had their rates come down.
Columbia Heights, Woodley Park, and Georgetown residents and visitors consider the quality of life to be good. Some cited reasons relate to comparisons with other major tourist destinations, such as:
- well-maintained public spaces.
- cultural attractions.
- lower rates of violent crime compared.
Are tourists visiting Washington D.C. happy?
Yes, a report by Exhibitor online confirms 26 million visitors in Washington DC, in 2023! Those visitors generated a revenue of 10.2 billion dollars for Washington.
In November 2023, international visitor arrivals to the United States totaled 5,279,813.
This suggests that many people feel safe, leading to positive word of mouth and attracting more visitors to Washington, D.C.
Visitor satisfaction was high, according to a 2024 D.C. Washington Business Journal, when 27 million travelers visited the popular spots and felt very safe.
The report indicates that locations like the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and downtown D.C. maintain strict security measures. Many tourists have visited these sites without encountering significant safety issues.
Is Washington DC safe for residents?
Yes, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and Georgetown are often preferred D.C. neighborhoods by young adults and singles.
Families choose areas like Chevy Chase, Friendship Heights, or the nearby suburbs of Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, or McLean.
If you’re more concerned with both safety and fun, think about living in the Northwest quadrant of D.C. A great example specifically would be Wesley Heights, a neighborhood that mixes a lot of nightlife with a safe setting and proximity to Georgetown. Niche, City-Data and PODS agree to this!
Recommendations by Washington resident:
Christopher Susie, a software engineer, has been living in Washington DC for 10 years and he says, “Yes, Washington DC is generally safe for tourists, especially if you stick to popular areas”.
He recommends staying in neighborhoods like Dupont Circle or Logan Circle for easy access to major attractions and a vibrant atmosphere.
These areas are well-lit, with plenty of people around, even at night. And it’s perfectly safe to walk at night with your loved one!
For a more budget-friendly option, consider Arlington, Virginia, which offers convenient transportation to DC and a quieter environment.
Safest neighborhoods in Washington DC.
Here is a list by property club for the safest places to live in Washington D.C.
- Barnaby Woods
- Hawthorne
- Glover Park
- Woodland Normanstone
- Palisades
- Adams Morgan
- Foxhall Village
- Foggy Bottom
- Chevy Chase
- Mount Pleasant
And do you know why these are the safest?
Because the residents rely on a multi-layered approach to security when it comes to securing their businesses. The vibrancy and safety of the local business scene have a strong effect on the residents and visitors.
They employ a proactive approach to detect security breaches, ensuring the safety of their assets, machinery, and personnel.
What is a proactive approach? Yes, remote video monitoring!
Businesses install security cameras around their premises and connect them to a reputable security operations center, which promptly responds to all alarms generated by security devices and follows the client’s security protocols.
If you want to know more about remote video monitoring, we suggest the following good reads:
- What is Remote Video Surveillance, and how does it work?
- A Beginner Guide to Remote Video Monitoring in 2024.
- What Is Proactive Video Monitoring: 9 Reasons Why Your Business Needs It.
The best thing is that no matter where you live in North America, you can secure your business with top-notch remote video monitoring services!
Dangerous areas in Washington DC!
The places you must avoid are the ones that are higher in crime rates. We share a summary of a report by Areavibes of the top 5 high crime areas in Washington D.C.
| Neighborhood | Population | Violent Crime Rate | Crime Rate Compared to DC Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deanwood | 29,798 | 2,029 crimes / 100k people | 172% more |
| Brentwood | 28,660 | 1,307 crimes / 100k people | 76% more |
| Anacostia | 117,488 | 1,282 crimes / 100k people | 72% more |
| U Street Corridor | 10,104 | 1,092 crimes / 100k people | 47% more |
| Stadium-Armory | 21,142 | 1,064 crimes / 100k people | 43% more |
Curious how D.C.’s crime compares with the rest of the country? Check out our full breakdown of the Most dangerous cities in the US 2025: A closer look.
Washington, DC safety map.
What the map above tells us.
Crimes in Washington DC predominantly occur on the city’s east side. Neighborhoods east of Rock Creek Park, including Northeast and Southeast, have experienced a significant rise in violent crimes like robberies and murders.
Conversely, to the west of Rock Creek Park, areas such as Tenleytown and Georgetown report far fewer crimes. While these more affluent neighborhoods are not completely free of crime, incidents are lower, although there has been an increase in car thefts.
Safety Tips:
- Because D.C. is a political hub, the area surrounding governmental structures are highly secure. Carry identification at all times and obey local laws.
- Be alert on public transportation. Report any suspicious behavior to the relevant official. Do not display signs of affluence, nor carry vast chunks of hard cash on you.
- The Washington Post recommends exploring some more diverse neighborhoods, such as Georgetown and Adams Morgan, in search of tasty treats.
- According to travel writer Rick Steves, “The Metro and very-efficient bus system allow travelers to get around the city easily without an automobile. If you can, avoid driving in the sprawling city with terrible traffic and awful parking.”.
- The Weather Channel warns: your D.C. summers (about 85°F) as hot and humid; your winters (40°F.) as relatively mild but can still be pretty cold. Pack accordingly.
- To ensure safety while visiting Washington, D.C., stick to central, well-populated areas of the city and avoid venturing into isolated or less developed neighborhoods after dark. Staying aware of your surroundings and taking basic precautions will allow tourists to enjoy the nightlife and attractions of the city safely.
- Use reputable taxi services or rideshare apps. Verify the driver’s identity before getting in, and share your ride details with a friend if traveling alone.
Key Takeaways:
- In 2025, D.C. has recorded 122 homicides, 3,636 motor vehicle thefts, and 815 assaults with a dangerous weapon.
- Property crime remains high with 10,445 thefts, 4,926 thefts from auto, 1,233 robberies, and 646 burglaries reported.
- The top five neighborhood clusters account for 27 percent of all car thefts, with the highest numbers in Union Station / Stanton Park / Kingman Park (271 thefts).
- Other heavy-hit clusters include Edgewood / Bloomingdale / Truxton Circle / Eckington and Congress Heights / Bellevue / Washington Highlands.
- Theft rates have increased in some areas, particularly in less affluent neighborhoods.
- The crime rate in Congress Heights is significantly higher compared to more affluent neighborhoods.
- Less safe areas in Washington D.C. are Southeast D.C. (particularly around Congress Heights) and Northeast D.C.
In summary, while Washington, D.C. does face crime challenges in certain areas, the city generally remains safe for tourists and residents, particularly in popular and well-patrolled neighborhoods.
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