Beyond its status as the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is known for its national memorials and monuments and a vibrant entertainment scene. But “the district,” as it’s commonly called, has a crime problem that makes home security systems in Washington, D.C., a must. With a total crime index (TCI) of two — with 100 being the safest — Washington is safer than 2% of U.S. cities, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which gleans information from multiple government sources. The city has around 679,000 residents. Here’s how it compares crime-wise to other municipalities of comparable size.
Violent Crime in Washington, D.C.
The chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime in D.C. is one in 95. Of the 35,341 crimes reported over the most recent 12-month period, 7,112 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
By comparison, Portland, Oregon, has some 630,000 residents and a TCI of one. If you’re there, there’s a one in 138 chance you’ll experience violent crime. Of 42,238 total crimes that were tallied, 4,560 were listed as violent.
Then there is Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with more than 702,000 residents and a total crime index of six. The chances of being victimized by violent crime are one in 157. Of 25,189 crimes reported over 12 months, 4,474 were in the violent category.
In Denver, Colorado, a city with a population of about 716,000 and a TCI of one, some 7,279 of its 48,292 crimes were violent. There, you have a one in 98 chance of victimization. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a city of 561,000 with a crime index of four, your chances of falling victim to violent crime are one in 68. Of 23,879 total crimes, 8,202 were violent.
Nashville, Tennessee, with more than 687,000 residents, is another city close in size to Washington. It has a TCI of two and a one in 87 chance of victimization by violent crime. Over a 12-month period, some 7,875 of 39,416 crimes were violent.
Property Crime in Washington D.C.
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Washington, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 24 — for a rate of 41.58 per 1,000 residents. There were 35,341 crimes logged over 12 months, 28,229 of which were property crimes.
Compare that data with that of Portland, where you have a one in 17 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 59.76 per 1,000 residents. That city reported 37,678 property crimes over 12 months — 5,011 of them burglaries. As for Oklahoma City’s property crime picture, you have a one in 34 chance of victimization. Of all crimes there, 20,715 were in the property category.
In Denver, you have a one in 17 chance of being victimized by property crime. Of 41,013 property crimes there, 5,111 were burglaries. In Milwaukee, meanwhile, there’s a one in 36 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 27.93 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 15,677 property crimes, 2,404 were burglaries. There’s a one in 22 chance you’ll experience a property crime in Nashville, for a rate of 45.86 per 1,000 residents.
The Washington D.C. Police Department
As of early 2025, the Metropolitan Police Department had some 3,131 officers, continuing a years-long staffing decline.
Instead of precincts, the department is divided into seven police districts that are each subdivided into three sectors. There are also a total of 57 Police Service Areas across the city.
The districts are:
- First District (1D): Covers the Capitol Hill area, parts of the southwest area, and the Navy Yard.
- Second District (2D): Includes DuPont Circle, Georgetown, and parts of the northwest.
- Third District (3D): Covers areas including Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan, and parts of Shaw.
- Fourth District (4D): Includes areas such as Brightwood, Petworth, and Tacoma in the district’s northern area.
- Fifth District (5D): Includes Gallaudet University and areas such as Brookland and Trinidad in the northeast.
- Sixth District (6D): Covers portions of the southeast and northeast, including Benning and Deanwood.
- Seventh District (7D): Covers the southeast area, including Congress Heights and Anacostia.
Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department headquarters is at 441 4th Street.
How to Stay Safe
Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Washington, D.C., area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.
With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.
In Summary
Compared to other cities with similar populations, Washington, D.C., does have crime issues. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock monitoring to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by professionals who work closely with first responders, every hour of the day.
