Exercise Increased Caution
“Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.”
Updated Thu, 08 May 2025
Full advisory →Is Washington D.C. safe? 🇺🇸
United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Washington D.C. scores 73/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Washington, D.C. is generally safe for visitors, but exercise increased caution in certain neighborhoods and during large events. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Washington D.C. 🇺🇸
United States · Assessed 28 July 2026
73
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~77% of countries
What drives this score
Crime66/100FairCrime index 49.2 / 100
Sentiment63/100FairMixed
Advisories63Fair
Stability75Good
Health76Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Fair
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-27T09:23:27.0923131-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Homicide rate
5.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
62
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging incidents are uncommon but have risen slightly in the U Street and Shaw neighborhoods during evenings
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing is frequent in Metro stations, the National Mall, and during major events such as the July Fourth fireworks
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
Reported feel68Mixed
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Recent traveler reports indicate most visitors feel safe during daylight but express concern about occasional street crime and political protests after dark
Yes — Washington, D.C. is generally safe for visitors, but exercise increased caution in certain neighborhoods and during large events.
The composite safety index of 75 reflects moderate overall risk, with crime scoring 66 and everyday hazards 70; homicide and traffic deaths are higher than many peers, yet terrorism risk remains low. Visitor safety is typically good during daylight, but night‑time walks in some districts can feel less secure.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026U.S. Park Police recovered a gun after a chase through Northeast Washington, DC— WJLA
- Jun 2026DC National Guard surge did not reduce violent crime, according to research released by The Hill— The Hill
- Apr 2026Al Jazeera reports ACLU and Amnesty leading 120 rights groups issuing a US World Cup travel advisory— Al Jazeera
- May 2026WTOP notes increased National Guard and Park Police presence for America 250 celebrations— WTOP
Common scams
- Pickpocketing in crowded Metro stations and on the National Mall
- Overcharging for rideshare or taxi services near tourist attractions
Full briefing
Washington, D.C. remains a largely safe destination for travelers, but the data show a mixed picture that warrants careful attention. The city’s composite safety index of 75 reflects moderate overall risk, with crime scoring 66 and everyday hazards 70; homicide and traffic‑related deaths are higher than many comparable capitals, yet terrorism risk stays low. Most incidents involving visitors occur in crowded tourist zones where pickpocketing is frequent, while occasional muggings have been reported in neighborhoods such as U Street and Shaw after dark. Recent news from June 2026 highlights a gun recovery by U.S. Park Police and research indicating that the recent National Guard deployment did not curb violent crime, underscoring that heightened security presence does not automatically translate to safer streets. Travelers should remain vigilant, especially in Metro stations, the National Mall, and during large events like the July Fourth fireworks, where pickpocketing spikes. Practical steps—keeping valuables concealed, using reputable rideshare services, and avoiding poorly lit areas at night—will help mitigate these risks and allow you to enjoy the capital’s museums, monuments, and neighborhoods with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 5 Washington D.C. districts for visitors: 2 safer, 2 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Washington D.C. safety map.
Anacostiaavoidhigher rates of violent crime and limited foot traffic; avoid solo nighttime visits
Capitol Hillcautionbusy with tourists and government workers; daytime is fine but stay alert after dark near quieter residential blocks
Near Capitol Complex (e.g., Union Station vicinity)cautionincreased National Guard and Park Police activity reported; stay aware of large crowds and occasional protests
Dupont Circlesaferwell‑patrolled, tourist‑friendly area with many hotels and restaurants; low violent‑crime incidents reported recently
Georgetownsafercommercial and residential hub with strong police presence; occasional petty theft but generally safe for visitors
07 · After Dark
Is Washington D.C. safe at night?
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Mugging incidents are uncommon but have risen slightly in the U Street and Shaw neighborhoods during evenings
After dark, be most careful around Anacostia, Capitol Hill, Near Capitol Complex (e.g., Union Station vicinity). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Washington D.C.'s category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight71
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight71
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight72
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight71
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight73
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight72
09 · Questions
Washington D.C. safety FAQ
Is Washington D.C. safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Washington, D.C. is generally safe for visitors, but exercise increased caution in certain neighborhoods and during large events. The composite safety index of 75 reflects moderate overall risk, with crime scoring 66 and everyday hazards 70; homicide and traffic deaths are higher than many peers, yet terrorism risk remains low. Visitor safety is typically good during daylight, but night‑time walks in some districts can feel less secure. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Which areas of Washington D.C. should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Anacostia as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Washington D.C.?
- Pickpocketing in crowded Metro stations and on the National Mall
- Overcharging for rideshare or taxi services near tourist attractions
How does Washington D.C. compare with other places in United States?
Washington D.C. ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 73/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
How is this Washington D.C. safety score calculated?
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
More United States reports
6 reportsNearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: washington-d-c.json (CC BY 4.0).