The 15 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In DC: 2022's Ultimate List

Cyril Balahadia
by Cyril Balahadia
Washington DC may be the nation’s capital, but it is hard to call every neighborhood “home sweet home”. Unfortunately, Washington DC is not a safe place to live, and the 7 most dangerous neighborhoods are a constant reminder of that. Between Anacostia, Shaw, Brentwood, and more, follow along as we explore the most dangerous places to live in Washington DC.

With a crime rate of 60 per thousand residents, Washington DC has one of the highest crime rates in the U.S. Based on FBI-reported crime data, your possibility of becoming a victim of one of these crimes in DC is 1 in 100. Of course, this is not to say that Washington DC is generally dangerous, but you should be aware of the most dangerous neighborhoods in D.C.

Based on FBI statistics, U Street Corridor, Brentwood, Deanwood, Shaw, and Georgetown are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Washington DC. When it comes to violent and property crimes, these neighborhoods rank highest per capita consistently, with between 45 – 108% higher crime occurrences than all of the other neighborhoods in D.C. Other areas to avoid include Shaw, Anacostia, and Downtown.

High crime is a significant factor in what makes a neighborhood terrible, and it’s typically associated with poverty, gangs, and drugs. In this article, we listed the neighborhoods that are the most notorious for crime.

Crime Overview In Washington DC

Every city has its good and bad areas – Sacramento and Las Vegas, for example, also have their fair share of dangerous neighborhoods. So, this is not to say that Washington DC is a dangerous place to be.

In fact, Washington DC is constantly seen on the lists of best cities to live in the U.S. With its rich history and endless things to do; many people are attracted to visit or even live here.

15 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In DC

If you’re planning to visit or move to D.C., it’s important that you know which areas to avoid. Below are some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city.

1. U Street Corridor

  • Population: 10,104
  • Violent Crime: 1,491
  • Property Crime: 7,638
  • Total Reported Crime: 9,129

A very vibrant neighborhood with a collection of boutique shops, nightclubs, restaurants, and art D.Cleries at U Street Corridor. This is definitely one of the busiest neighborhoods in D.C.

According to FBI statistics, there were a total of 9,129 reported crimes in the U Street Corridor during the 2020 calendar year. These crimes included murder, assault, rape, grand theft auto, burglary, and other property crimes.

Property crime far surpassed violent crime at 7,638 per 100,000 people. The violent crime came in at 1,491 cases per capita amongst a population of 10,104.

2. Brentwood

  • Population: 28,660
  • Violent Crime: 1,784
  • Property Crime: 6,206
  • Total Reported Crime: 7,990

Also, a neighborhood in the District of Columbia County, Brentwood, is another neighborhood that’s known to be dangerous. This has long been a neighborhood where families raised their kids and stayed for many years.

Having a population of 28,660, this is another neighborhood you don’t want to walk around in at night. Brentwood has a total crime rate of 9,271 per 100,000 residents. Compared to the national average, violent crime in this neighborhood is 259% higher.

There were a total of 7,990 total reported crimes for Brentwood. These crimes included both property and violent crimes alike.

There were 1,784 violent crimes and 6,206 property crimes per capita for the 2020 calendar year. While this doesn’t seem like much, over a quarter of the residents fell victim to these horrible crimes.

3. Deanwood

  • Population: 29,798
  • Violent Crime: 2,769
  • Property Crime: 5,008
  • Total Reported Crime: 7,777

Located on the Northeast edge of the city, Deanwood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in D.C. This area will give you a small-town vibe in the middle of the city. This is a two-square-mile reserve and neighborhood profoundly immersed in history.

At one point, Deanwood was one of the earliest all-African American enclaves in the city. As mentioned earlier, Deanwood regularly ranks on the list of most dangerous neighborhoods in D.C.

Deanwood had 7,777 reported crimes total for the 2020 calendar year. These crimes include everything from murder to auto and property thefts.

Of the 7,777 total crimes, there were only 2,769 violent ones reported. However, this is among a population of 29,798. There were 5,008 property crimes per capita to make up the total.

4. Shaw

  • Population: 13,782
  • Violent Crime: 1,449
  • Property Crime: 6,162
  • Total Reported Crime: 7,611

Shaw is a central neighborhood in the Northwest quadrant of Washington DC. This neighborhood has a long history of riots, drugs, and crime.

After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968, riots took place at the intersection of 14th St & U St. These riots caused significant damage to 1,200 buildings and led to thousands of people losing their job.

According to FBI statistics, there were a total of 7,611 reported crimes in the 2020 calendar year. These crimes reflect everything from murder and rape to grand theft, auto, and property destruction.

Property crime outweighed violent crime in 2020. There were a total of 6,162 property crime incidents reported. The violent crime was still high, at 1,449 per capita in a population of 13,782.

5. Georgetown

  • Population: 14,118
  • Violent Crime: 396
  • Property Crime: 5,949
  • Total Reported Crime: 6,345
Georgetown is one of the loveliest areas to live in the District of Columbia, and it is located in the county of the same name. The majority of Georgetown citizens own their homes and live in an urban environment. However, it has a semi-high crime rate.

According to FBI statistics, there were 396 violent crimes and 5,949property crimes in Georgetown. These crimes included everything from murder and assault to auto theft and burglaries.

The total reported amount of crime for the 2020 calendar year was 6,345. In a population of 14,118, that is a significant amount of crime.

6. Capitol Hill

  • Population: 55,592
  • Violent Crime: 920
  • Property D.C.e: 4,882
  • Total Reported Crime: 5,802
Capitol Hill is a neighborhood in WashingtonD.C., District of Columbia. It is located in the District of Columbia County and is considered one of the nicest places to reside in the city. Capitol Hill provides inhabitants with an urban vibe, and the majority of residents own their homes.

This neighborhood had 5,802 total crimes reported in 2020, with a population of 55,592. These crimes included everything from murder and rape to auto theft.

Of this total, there were 920 cases of violent crime. However, there were more than double the amount of property-based crimes, which made up 4,882 of the total.

7. LeDroit Park

  • Population: 11,683
  • Violent D.C.e: 1,123
  • Property Crime: 4,635
  • Total Reported Crime: 5,758

LeDroit Park is another D.C. neighborhood that is known to be less safe. LeDroit Park is a neighborhood located directly southeast of Howard University. It is surrounded by N.W st to the north, Rhode Island Avenue and Florida Avenue to the south, Second Street N.W. to the east, and Howard University to the west.

There were a total of 5,758 total reported crimes for LeDroit Park, a population of 11,683. These crimes included both property and violent crimes alike. There were 1,123 violent crimes and 4,635 property crimes per capita for the 2020 calendar year.

8. South West

  • Population: 11,100
  • Violent Crime: 1,141
  • Property Crime: 4,602
  • Total Reported Crime: 5,743

Southwest D.C. is located south of the National Mall and west of South Capitol Street in WashingtonD.C., the United States’ capital. It is the city’s smallest sector. Southwest is small enough that it is often referred to as a separate neighborhood. It does, however, have five distinct communities.

According to FBI statistics, there were a total of 5,743 reported crimes in the 2020 calendar year. These crimes reflect everything from murder and rape to grand theft, auto, and property destruction.

Property crime outweighed violent crime in 2020. There were a total of 4,602 property crime incidents reported. The violent crime was still high, at 1,141 per capita in a population of 11,100.

9. Stadium-Armory

  • Population: 21,142
  • Violent Crime: 1,452
  • Property Crime: 4,178
  • Total Reported Crime: 5,630

A neighborhood made of a population of 21,142, Stadium-Armory is another shady area for crimes. Compared to the national average, Stadium-Armory crime rates are 140% higher. This area has a reputation for crime and low-income housing.

Stadium-Armory had 5,630 reported crimes total for the 2020 calendar year. These crimes include everything from murder to auto and property thefts.

Of the 5,630 total crimes, there were only 1,452 violent ones reported. There were 4,178 property crimes per capita to make up the total.

10. Columbia Heights

  • Population: 34,835
  • Violent Crime: 888
  • Property Crime: 4,083
  • Total Reported Crime: 4,971

This neighborhood, known for its diverse population, particularly its large Black and Latino people, is still plagued by gang and drug-related crime. Muggings and shootings are common, and property crime is well-established in this area.

Columbia Heights had 4,971 total crimes reported in 2020, with a population of 34,835. These crimes included everything from murder and rape to auto theft.

Of this total, there were 888 cases of violent crime. However, there were more than double the amount of property-based crimes, which made up 4,083 of the total.

11. Brookland

  • Population: 17,154
  • Violent Crime: 889
  • ProperD.C.’sme: 2,555
  • Total Reported Crime: 3,444

Brookland is a neighborhood in WashingtonD.C.’s Northeast quarter, historically concentrated along 12th Street NE. Michigan Avenue to the north, Rhode Island Avenue NE to the south, South Dakota Avenue to the east, and the Red Line of the Washington Metro tracks to the west define Brookland.

According to FBI statistics, there were a total of 3,444 reported crimes in Brookland during the 2020 calendar year. These crimes included murder, assault, rape, grand theft auto, burglary, and other property crimes.

Property crime far surpassed violent crime at 2,555 per 100,000 people. The violent crime came in at 889 cases per capita amongst a population of 17,154.

12. Anacostia

  • Population: 117,488
  • Violent Crime: 1,749
  • Property Crime: 3,048
  • Total Reported Crime: 4,797

Once projected to be a manufacturing and commercial center of Washington DC, Anacostia now finds itself isolated from the city’s bulk. Today, Anacostia’s crime rate is reported as 38% higher than the rest of the county.

Unemployment is 12%, compared to 6% for the whole county. High school dropout rates continue to be around 40%, and 24.1% of residents don’t have a high school diploma. Gang activity and drugs continue to be prevalent.

Anacostia had 4,797 total crimes reported in 2020, with a population of 117,488. These crimes included everything from murder and rape to auto theft.

Of this total, there were 1,749 cases of violent crime. However, there were more property-based crimes, which made up 3,048 of the total.

13. Downtown

  • Population: 8,132
  • Violent D.C.e: 889
  • Property Crime: 3,184
  • Total Reported Crime: 4,072

Downtown is a Washington D.C. neighborhood and a colloquial term for the city’s central commercial district, which is located in the northwest quadrant. The region around the White House is around five to six blocks west, northwest, north, northeast, and east.

In the neighborhood, there are several important museums, theaters, and major sports stadiums. The Downtown Historic District is a section of this D.C. region that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

Downtown D.C. had 4,072 reported crimes total for the 2020 calendar year. These crimes include everything from murder to auto and property thefts.

14. Petworth

  • Population: 11,886
  • Violent Crime: 960
  • Property Crime: 2,905
  • Total Reported Crime: 3,865

Petworth’s crime rate is 14% lower than the Washington average, while violent crimes are 143% more than the national average. A local offered information about a drug raid on a residence on a particular block, as well as a handful of other illegal behaviors that the police had dealt with during their patrols.

The neighborhood is quieter at night, making dark alleys appear more prominent. As a result, it is preferable to travel during that time period in a crowded environment, particularly for ladies traveling alone. If necessary, some motels with good reviews are available for you to stay the night and avoid night walks.

According to FBI statistics, there were 960 violent crimes and 2,905 property crimes in Petworth. These crimes included everything from murder and assault to auto theft and burglaries.

Of the 4,072 total crimes, there were only 889 violent ones reported. However, this is among a population of 8,132. There were 3,184 property crimes per capita to make up the total.

15. Fort Totten- Upper Northeast

  • Population: 24,123
  • Violent Crime: 700
  • Property Crime: 2,D.C.’stal Reported Crime: 3,570

Fort Totten is a neighborhood in Northeast Washington D.C.’s Ward 5. To the north, Riggs Rd NE, Bates Rd NE, Allison Street NE, and the southern end of Fort Totten Park are located.

There were a total of 3,570 total reported crimes for Fort Totten, a population of 24,123. These crimes included both property and violent crimes alike. There were 700 violent crimes and 2,870 property crimes per capita for the 2020 calendar year.

How Do You Stay Safe In DC?

Back in the year 1991, Washington DC was known as the “murder capital.” This is due to a tremendously high number of homicides per annum. Fortunately, these numbers have dropped suggestively. Today, you’re very unlikely to experience anything similar to a violent crime.

Avoid Most DangerU.S Neighborhoods In DC

In general, chance murders don’t happen that frequently in the U.S. Most of the time, people who have been victims of killing have known their suspects for a long time before the crime took place. The crime in Washington DC is usually curbed to specific unsafe neighborhoods and people who already know each other.

However, this is not to say it’s okay not to be vigilant. Whether you’re planning to live here or just visit, it’s important to take standard precautions. Just as you would in any other city, use your common sense and be extra careful. This means trying not to walk alone at night, avoiding dark alleys, and not talking to people you don’t know from the street.

Choose The Right Neighborhood To Live In

Again, try to reconsider staying around the neighborhoods mentioned above. When it comes to crimes of property theft, they are a problem in nightlife-centered communities.

Don’t Be Flashy

Try not to use your phone or wear jewelry when walking around the sketchy areas. Snatchers are always on surveillance of their next victims – this is especially common around the metro and train stations.

Apart from isolated shootings, Washington DC has not been the target of any terrorist attacks of late, but the attacks should not be ruled out. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when in crowded areas.

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Cyril Balahadia
Cyril Balahadia

Coming from a family of woodcarvers, Cyril has always been fascinated with wooden interiors and home decorating. While she followed the path of writing as her career, her interests in home improvements still remain.

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