what is the crime rate in washington dc

The overall crime rate in Washington, D.C. has dropped sharply over the last two years, and early 2026 data shows crime continuing at much lower levels than in 2023, though it remains a serious issue in some categories.

Quick Scoop: D.C. Crime Right Now

• Violent crime and property crime are both down significantly from their 2023 peak, returning to roughly pre‑pandemic levels.

• Federal and local officials report that total violent crime in 2024 was about 35% lower than 2023 , the lowest level in roughly 30 years.

• As of late February 2026, year‑to‑date data show about a 30% drop in total reported crime compared with the same period in 2025.

• Homicides in early 2026 are down about two‑thirds compared with the same time in 2025, though serious assaults are slightly higher.

• News reports note that D.C. went three weeks into 2026 without a homicide , a stark change from 2023’s generational high.

“Crime in D.C., which in 2023 reached a generational-high, has largely receded to pre-pandemic levels.”

Recent Official Numbers (DC police data)

From the Metropolitan Police Department’s “Crime Data at a Glance” (as of Feb 24, 2026):

• All crime, year‑to‑date:
  • 2025: 3,622 cases
  • 2026: 2,552 cases (≈ 30% lower)
• Violent crime categories, year‑to‑date 2025 vs 2026:
  • Homicide: 27 → 9 (‑67%)
  • Sex abuse: 11 → 5 (‑55%)
  • Assault with a dangerous weapon: 105 → 126 (+20%)
  • Robbery: 258 → 144 (‑44%)
• Property crime categories, year‑to‑date 2025 vs 2026:
  • Burglary: 133 → 96 (‑28%)
  • Motor vehicle theft: 768 → 322 (‑58%)
  • Theft from auto: 841 → 557 (‑34%)
  • Theft (other): 1,477 → 1,293 (‑12%)

These figures are raw incident counts, not per‑capita “rates,” but they give a clear picture of trend and scale.

Trend Since 2023

• 2023: D.C. recorded 274 homicides, the highest in about 20 years and a symbol of a broader surge in violent crime.

• 2024: Total violent crime down about 35% compared with 2023; federal officials described it as the lowest violent crime level in roughly 30 years.

• 2025: City data show further declines in many categories compared with 2024, including fewer homicides (187 → 127, about a 32% drop).

Federal and local fact sheets emphasize that carjackings and gun‑involved crimes also fell sharply in 2024, even though public perception often lagged behind the data.

Context and Caveats

• Crime is not evenly distributed : some neighborhoods experience far more violence and property crime than others, which shapes how “safe” the city feels.
• Officials caution that the numbers are preliminary and subject to reclassification as cases are updated in the system.

• Different agencies (local police, federal justice officials, outside researchers) sometimes use different definitions and reporting methods, so exact “rates” can vary slightly between sources.

If you tell me whether you want per‑capita rates (e.g., crimes per 100,000 residents) or are comparing D.C. with another city, I can help frame these numbers more precisely within that context.