In the seat of power of the most powerful country in the world, it makes you wonder what crimes are commonly committed here. What are the highest-rated crimes in Washington D.C.? According to Numbeo, it's car theft! Surprising, right? In a very urban city that has very efficient public transport systems, car theft has a rate of 62.40% here in Washington D.C.. Who knew the locals here needed cars that badly? The second-highest rated crime is drug-dealing at 62%. The third is breaking and entering at 61.57%, and fourth is vandalism at 61.35%. Finally, assault and armed robbery come at fifth with 60.58%.
Fortunately, even though assault is the third-highest rated crime in Washington D.C., the total rate of violent crimes in the capital is relatively low. For every 1,000 residents in the area, the total rate of violent crimes is at 9.96%. It's not even at 10%, meaning you're more or less safe in this city. Moreso since only 1 in 100 people in Washington D.C. will actually fall victim to violent crimes. Those are pretty good odds. You'd probably feel safe knowing that, for every 1,000 residents again, the murder rate in this city is just at 0.23%, rape is at 0.64%, robbery is at 3.44% and assault is at 5.65%.
The truth is people have to be more worried about their property than themselves when it comes to criminals in the District of Columbia. For every 1,000 residents, the property crime rate is 43.74%. That's staggeringly high when compared to the violent crime rate of 9.96% in this city. At this rate, about 1 in 23 people are prone to becoming victims of such crimes. Specifically, you have to watch out for theft the most—particularly pickpocketing—which has a crime rate of 37.50% for every 1,000 residents. burglary, on the other hand, is only 2.55%.
Still, since Washington D.C. is mostly made up of national parks, historic landmarks, must-see monuments, and charming towns, it's generally safe to walk around the city. But, of course, it's more so during the day as it's 66.42% high. Just stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safely tucked inside your bag or your pockets. At nighttime, it's better not to walk outside as it's only 39.10% safe to do so. If you want to, better to walk with friends or stay within busy parts of the city. Even jogging at night at any of the city's national parks can be risky!
When you're here in D.C., which parts of the city are you better off avoiding? Washington Highlands is one. One of the poorer parts of the capital, it's prone to seeing crimes practically every night. It's even considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country. North of Massachusetts—commonly referred to as NoMa— is also a place to avoid as it sees an average of 187 crimes committed in a year. And in terms of train stations, common places where criminals target people, ensure that you're never alone waiting for a train or taxi whilst in Deanwood Metro Station.
On the other hand, there are still many parts of D.C. that are safe. It's no secret that 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is perhaps the safest of them all. The famous road leading up to the White House, anyone can practically walk along this area in whatever time of the day and he/she will remain unharmed. Wesley Heights is also one of the least dangerous places in the city, more so because it's more suburban and one the more peaceful towns in the capital. Foggy Bottom, the area near George Washington University, is also fairly safe but more so during the day.
If you think that Washington D.C. is the safest city in the world because the US president lives here, then think again! While it's not the most dangerous city in the country by far, its crime rate does warn to stay vigilant at all times.
Now, if you booked a D.C. luxury rental as your accommodation here in the capital, you probably have better chances of keeping safe!
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