Let’s speak about something serious: safety in Washington D.C. Yes, it’s a ravishing city with a wealthy history, it has some protected areas but not all neighborhoods are protected. It’s vital to know where you’re going, especially for those who’re considering a move or planning a visit. So, we’ve compiled an inventory of the 15 most dangerous neighborhoods in D.C., based on crime rates and other aspects.
Our aim is to make it easier to stay informed and protected. Here’s an inventory to get you began.
The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Washington D.C.
- Shaw
- Anacostia
- Columbia Heights
- Petworth
- Benning Ridge
- Deanwood
- Carver/Langston
- Edgewood
- Trinidad
- Congress Heights
- Sursum Corda
- Brentwood
- Fairfax Village
- Hill East
- Kenilworth
Shaw
Shaw, infamous for its elevated crime rates, often makes its way into the headlines. With an alarming variety of reported incidents, it’s indeed a neighborhood that warrants the adjective “dangerous”. The realm’s crime statistics reveal a snapshot of the problems that persist here. Theft and assault are two of essentially the most common types of crime present on this neighborhood, presenting a transparent menace to the residents.
Anxiety is a relentless companion of those that live here or occur to navigate through its lanes. The very pillars of a protected community like security, peace, and neighborly trust appear to be continually eroding.
The duty of improving Shaw’s crime statistics is undeniably hefty but actually not unattainable. It’s a joint effort by authorities, residents, and all involved to make Shaw a safer neighborhood with each passing day.
Anacostia
Positioned within the southeast quadrant of DC, Anacostia is a neighborhood with historical significance. It is thought for its Victorian-style houses and the Anacostia Community Museum. But this region faces a major fight with crime. Despite the efforts of local law enforcement and community advocates, crime rates here remain consistently above town’s average.
Violent crime, resembling assaults and robberies, occurs ceaselessly in Anacostia. In the event you take a look at the information, you’ll notice that residents listed below are prone to grow to be victims of crime. This has created an alarm among the many community, pushing them to search for strategies to enhance their neighborhood’s safety.
Community meetings, neighborhood watches, and increased police patrols are some methods they’ve been exploring. Even with these initiatives, turning the tides on crime in Anacostia continues to be a troublesome challenge.
Columbia Heights
In the event you live in DC, you’re probably accustomed to Columbia Heights. It’s a spot where you’ll be able to expect to come across crime greater than another areas. While it has its pros, being notorious for questions of safety is certainly a con. In recent times, the community has reported a substantial increase in violent incidents resembling assaults.
Most times, you’ll find violent crime statistics to be well above the national average here. This neighborhood can be known for its burglaries, theft, and auto theft cases. The investment of city officials in introducing preventive measures has yet to bring promising results. Living in Columbia Heights signifies that you’ll want to be extra aware of your surroundings, especially throughout the night hours.
Petworth
Petworth is a neighborhood positioned within the Northwestern quadrant of Washington D.C. Unfortunately, it has often grabbed headlines for the flawed reasons, thanks largely to a growing crime rate.
The crimes in Petworth encompass each violent and property crimes. With incidents resembling break-ins, theft, and assault usually reported, residents and visitors alike often express concerns over their well-being. The presence of crime also takes a toll on the general quality of life in the realm.
Nonetheless, it’s not all bleak in Petworth. Community efforts to combat crime have been notable. Neighborhood watch groups have sprung up and the energetic involvement of residents in reporting incidents has helped the police respond in a timely manner. Still, the necessity for a more robust law enforcement presence and improved social infrastructure stays apparent.
Benning Ridge
Benning Ridge finds itself on this list on account of its significant problem with crime. This southeast DC neighborhood has been battling questions of safety over the past years. The violent crime rate on this area is especially high. These issues are sometimes amplified in certain sections of the neighborhood, causing fear and tension amongst residents.
On top of that, property crime rates, resembling theft and burglary, are also noticeably high.
Deanwood
Situated within the Northeast quadrant of Washington DC, Deanwood is an area known for its crime-related issues. It’s not unusual to listen to news of violent crimes resembling homicides and assaults here. In actual fact, statistical reports reveal that Deanwood consistently ranks among the many neighborhoods with the very best crime rate in town.
The local law enforcement agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department, are scrambling to place effective preventive measures in place. Despite their tireless efforts, the gravity of the situation stays unchanged. Locals are sometimes apprehensive about their safety and the long run of their community.
Carver/Langston
Carver/Langston district is a component of DC which unfortunately has come to be known for its crime-related issues. Safety is a major challenge faced by the residents here.
The rise in thefts and assaults lately has put the local residents on high alert. The local suburban nature of Carver/Langston mustn’t deceive you. It’s advised you stay cautious and alert in any respect times to make sure your safety.
The situation, nonetheless, isn’t hopeless. Local law enforcement and community organizations are working together to implement security measures and curb crime rates. Teams patrol the neighborhood around the clock, while neighborhood watches have been established to advertise a way of community vigilance.
Despite the safety challenges, there’s a collective effort to show the tide, and it’s this spirit of unity that provides hope to the residents of Carver/Langston.
Edgewood
Reports show the neighborhood has certainly one of the very best crime rates within the District of Columbia. Statistically, you stand a 1 in 22 probability of falling victim to property or violent crime on this a part of town.
Steeped in history, Edgewood has had a long-standing relationship with criminal activity. The realm is thought for multiple incidents of violent crimes, resembling robbery, assault, and gun violence.
And it’s not only the night-time you’ll want to be cautious about – crime is a 24/7 concern here, with each daylight and after-dark incidents reported ceaselessly.
Trinidad
Trinidad showcases the various character that DC is thought for, but unfortunately, it also stands out for its high crime rate. In the event you’ve been excited about going there, it’s crucial to know what you’re entering into. It’s particularly famed for its strong communal spirit, but it surely’s also truthfully a hood where it is advisable to be extra careful, especially when walking the streets at night.
When it comes to statistics, Trinidad takes a low spot on the security ladder. Property crimes are particularly prevalent here, with reports of theft, burglary, and motorized vehicle theft being a major concern.
Many attribute the rising rate of illicit activities to aspects like unemployment, poverty, and substance abuse. Nonetheless, this doesn’t negate Trinidad’s importance because it strives to enhance the living conditions and safety of its residents.
Congress Heights
Congress Heights is one area in Washington D.C. that may pose some real security issues. A substantial variety of felonies and misdemeanors have been recorded here.
Exposure to such data is sufficient to raise your eyebrows. But crucially, it’s vital to know the crime stats and situational evaluation of why the realm ranks high on the criminal activities list.
In response to recent crime data, greater than double town’s average crime rate is reported from Congress Heights. This substantial rate is sort of concerning for residents and potential visitors to the realm.
Here, multiple varieties of crimes are reported often, including robberies and aggravated assaults, which contribute to a sense of pervasive insecurity.
Sursum Corda
Sursum Corda often finds itself on lists like this one due to its high crime rate. You’ve gotten a 1 in 18 probability of being a victim of crime on this neighborhood. Actually, it’s not something to speak flippantly about.
Violence and other varieties of crime are real concerns for many who live on this a part of DC. The high crime rate can, unfortunately, solid a dark cloud over the neighborhood.
Nevertheless it’s vital to not overlook the steps that community leaders and native residents are taking to make things higher. Resident associations and community centers are working hard to supply activities for young people.
Policymakers are also putting their heads together to provide you with strategies to cut back crime. But even with these initiatives, Sursum Corda remains to be a spot that demands a cautious approach, particularly after dark.
Brentwood
You’ll have heard that Brentwood in DC has been coping with some questions of safety. That is unfortunately true. In recent times, Brentwood has had its justifiable share of crime – mostly involving violence and theft-related offenses.
Despite efforts to bring the numbers down, Brentwood remains to be a component of DC where you’ll want to stay vigilant. It’s not unusual to listen to of incidents of robbery and even assault, which is a transparent signal of the community’s ongoing battle with criminal activity.
With 7,990 crimes being reported for each 100k people, you’ve got a 1 in 13 probability of being a victim as well.
Fairfax Village
Fairfax Village normally appears like a peaceful residential area. But beneath this calm exterior, lies an unsettling level of criminal activities. It’s not as protected as you may expect and demands are rising for effective safety measures to administer crime rates.
Crime issues range from robberies and assaults to more serious felonies. The nighttime brings a wave of unease on account of frequent petty thefts and break-ins. It’s highly advisable to keep up a level of alertness while visiting or living on this area.
Hill East
Hill East, also often known as Barney’s Circle, has unfortunately earned a status for crime. Positioned within the eastern a part of DC, near Capitol Hill and the National Park—the neighborhood faces routine criminal activities. Stepping outside after the sun goes down might be anxiety-inducing, especially on account of incidents of violent crimes.
Property crimes are also a major problem in Hill East. Break-ins and theft are usually not unusual and native residents often share warnings and updates about crime in the realm through community forums and group chats.
But don’t be too quick to rule out Hill East. Despite the crime rate, there are also loads of friendly neighbors and community-oriented events that make Hill East greater than just its crime statistics.
Kenilworth
Kenilworth is a neighborhood known for its lovely aquatic gardens. But beneath the surface beauty, it’s a neighborhood unfortunately known for its high crime rates. Over time, the neighborhood has struggled in its fight against crime, becoming certainly one of the riskier places to live in Washington DC.
The crimes reported here mostly involve theft and assault. The potential for becoming a victim of either violent or property crime is far larger in comparison with other areas. Residents often express concern about their safety, especially throughout the night.
More From Dollar Sanity:
13 Pros and Cons of Living In Baltimore, MD