United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Washington D.C. scores 72/100 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).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 28 July 2026
72
/ 100
Safer than ~75% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
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 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
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
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
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
Common scams
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
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
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 · Questions
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.)
Safety is not one number, and this Washington D.C. report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Field research flags Anacostia as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Washington D.C. ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 72/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight (and U.S. reports lean more on the latest field research); the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: washington-d-c.json (CC BY 4.0).