Is Washington, DC Safe? 2026 Crime Rates & Safety Report
Key facts
- 01
Washington, District of Columbia reported 326.90 robbery offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 6.78 times the national reference of 48.24 per 100,000 and 278.66 per 100,000 above that reference, with 2,197 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 02
Washington, District of Columbia reported 674.62 motor vehicle theft offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 3.50 times the national reference of 193.00 per 100,000 and 481.62 per 100,000 above that reference, with 4,534 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 03
Washington, District of Columbia reported 2,310.29 larceny-theft offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 2.09 times the national reference of 1,106.97 per 100,000 and 1,203.32 per 100,000 above that reference, with 15,527 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 04
Washington, District of Columbia reported 402.78 aggravated assault offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 1.75 times the national reference of 229.56 per 100,000 and 173.22 per 100,000 above that reference, with 2,707 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 05
Washington, District of Columbia reported 200.72 burglary offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 1.07 times the national reference of 188.15 per 100,000 and 12.57 per 100,000 above that reference, with 1,349 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
Quick answer
In the Safety Atlas 2026 public safety index, Washington, DC has an adjusted safety score of 29.96 out of 100. It ranks #1 in this comparison set out of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in District of Columbia. Its overall crime trajectory is currently classified as decreasing.
Jump to Section
2026 edition, FBI source year 2025.
Every number on this page ships in the District of Columbia workbook.
Key Public Safety Indicators
Reported rates per 100,000 residents; national references shown alongside.
| Offense Class | Annual Count | Rate per 100K | National Avg | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 2197 | 326.9 | 48.24 |
6.78× national |
| Aggravated Assault | 2707 | 402.78 | 229.56 |
1.75× national |
| Burglary | 1349 | 200.72 | 188.15 |
1.07× national |
| Larceny-theft | 15527 | 2310.29 | 1106.97 |
2.09× national |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4534 | 674.62 | 193.0 |
3.5× national |
Comparing Washington to somewhere else? Take the file with you.
What drives Washington's safety score?
Washington ranks in the top quarter of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in District of Columbia, ahead of approximately 67% of that scored set. The profile uses a reporting population of 672,079 and source-year data through 2025; it is a citywide agency-level comparison, not a neighborhood forecast.
The strongest of the three score components is Personal Safety at 44.04, while Community Order is lowest at 3.04. The 41.0-point spread shows why the composite should be read by component instead of as a single absolute claim about safety.
Among the five public offense indicators, Robbery is highest relative to its national reference at 326.9 per 100,000 (6.78× the national rate). Burglary is lowest on the same relative basis at 200.72 per 100,000 (1.07× national).
Coverage check: 18 of 18 tracked offense classes have reportable values in this profile. Missing values are not converted to zero.
Public indicator mix
Washington, District of Columbia recorded 15,527 larceny-theft offenses in 2025, 59.0% of the 26,314 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 1,349 burglary reports (5.1%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Washington, District of Columbia recorded 4,534 motor vehicle theft offenses in 2025, 17.2% of the 26,314 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 1,349 burglary reports (5.1%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Washington, District of Columbia recorded 2,707 aggravated assault offenses in 2025, 10.3% of the 26,314 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 1,349 burglary reports (5.1%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Washington, District of Columbia uses a reporting population of 672,079 residents and has values for 18 of the 18 tracked offense classes (100.0%) in its 2025 profile; coverage describes available classes rather than the share of residents reporting crime.
Washington, District of Columbia has an adjusted score of 29.96 points out of 100 versus 20.62 in Columbia Heights, District of Columbia, a difference of 9.34 points above that displayed state peer in the 2025 source-year profile; Washington ranks 1 of 3 scored jurisdictions in the published state comparison set.
Washington, District of Columbia has an adjusted score of 29.96 points out of 100 versus 18.18 in Downtown DC, District of Columbia, a difference of 11.78 points above that displayed state peer in the 2025 source-year profile; Washington ranks 1 of 3 scored jurisdictions in the published state comparison set.
Detailed Crime Class Breakdown
Additional tracked offense classes
- Homicide
- Rape
- Kidnapping/Abduction
- Human Trafficking
- Arson
- Theft From Building
- Theft From Motor Vehicle
- Simple Assault
- Intimidation
- Stolen Property Offenses
- Vandalism
- Weapon Law Violations
- Drug/Narcotic Violations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington safe compared to other places in District of Columbia?
Washington is classified as having low relative safety in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index. It has an adjusted safety score of 29.96 out of 100 and ranks #1 in this comparison set out of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in District of Columbia.
What is the crime rate in Washington?
Public offense rates are listed above.
What is Washington's safety rating?
Washington's safety rating in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index is 29.96 out of 100, which ranks #1 in this comparison set out of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in District of Columbia. Its overall crime trajectory is currently classified as decreasing, using source-year data through 2025.
What is the safest neighborhood in Washington?
This profile covers the reporting jurisdiction; consult local sources for neighborhood detail.
Why are some crime statistics locked for Washington?
Full offense series: state workbook.
Reading notes
District of Columbia safety directory
Safety Atlas methodology · 2026 coverage report
Cite This Public Safety Profile
Citation formats:
Primary Source Data Integrity
- Crime Counts: FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) database.
- Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimate boundaries.
- Methodology: Adjusted per-capita normalization with small-sample relief controls. View our complete Methodology Documentation.