Arlington, VA, is more than just a charming neighbor to Washington, DC—it’s a vibrant, historically rich community that consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the country. In fact, CBS named Arlington one of the top cities to live in, thanks to its mix of urban convenience, green spaces, and strong sense of community. But as with any bustling area, safety is a common question for residents and prospective movers alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Arlington’s safety, exploring crime rates, neighborhood profiles, and the factors that contribute to its reputation as a sought-after, welcoming place to call home.
Understanding Arlington, VA’s Crime Stats
To truly understand safety in Arlington, VA, it’s important to look at the numbers. In this section, we’ll break down crime data, explore how Arlington stacks up against national averages and nearby regions, and explain the tools we used to gather and analyze this information.
Arlington as a Census-Designated Place (CDP)
While Arlington is often referred to as a city, it is officially classified as a Census-Designated Place (CDP). This means Arlington’s socio-economic data, including demographics, income levels, and crime rates, are collected and reported at a city-equivalent level through federal surveys. This ensures comprehensive, reliable insights into the area’s unique community profile and makes it easy to compare Arlington to cities nationwide.
Official Crime Rates & Data for Alrington, VA
For the most up-to-date and official crime statistics, Arlington residents and visitors can refer to the Arlington County Police Department’s Crime Statistics page. The department provides regular updates on crime trends, reports, and incident data. While general crime reports are readily available, those seeking more detailed or specific data can submit a formal request to the Arlington Police Department.
FBI and NIBRS Data Utilization
Arlington’s crime data is strengthened through its partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its implementation of the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Unlike traditional crime reporting methods, which often focus on a single offense per incident, NIBRS captures detailed information on all offenses that occur within a single incident. This system offers a clearer, more comprehensive view of crime trends.
Safest Neighborhoods
Arlington boasts a variety of neighborhoods that combine a strong sense of community with lower crime rates, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Northern Virginia. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of urban hubs or the tranquility of residential streets, neighborhoods like Ballston, Arlington Ridge, and Clarendon-Courthouse stand out for their safety and appeal. Let’s take a closer look at each neighborhood and key crime statistics from the Arlington County Crime Data Hub.
Ballston: Home of The Waycroft!
Ballston offers the perfect mix of modern amenities and safety, making it a top choice for families and professionals. Home to The Waycroft, this neighborhood is packed with dining, shopping, and entertainment options. How safe is Ballston? Take a look!
- In 2023, Ballston reported a property crime rate of approximately 1,200 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average.
- The violent crime rate in Ballston was around 300 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, indicating a safer environment compared to many urban areas.
Arlington Ridge
Known for its beautiful homes and quiet streets, Arlington Ridge offers a peaceful residential environment with impressive safety statistics. Its accessibility to major roadways like I-395 makes it a prime location.
- The neighborhood experienced a property crime rate of about 900 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, significantly lower than both the county and national averages.
- With a violent crime rate of approximately 150 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, Arlington Ridge stands out as one of the safer neighborhoods in the area.
Clarendon-Courthouse
Clarendon-Courthouse is a lively area that is popular among young professionals and families. It boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops that contribute to its vibrant atmosphere.
- In 2023, the area reported a property crime rate of around 1,100 incidents per 100,000 residents, below the national average.
- The violent crime rate was approximately 250 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, showcasing the neighborhood’s focus on maintaining a secure environment.
Visualizing Crime in Arlington
Understanding crime distribution is easier when you can see it. Crime maps provide a clear, visual representation of where incidents occur more frequently, offering residents and potential movers an intuitive way to assess safety across Arlington’s neighborhoods. With a reputable crime map, you can:
- Identify Trends: Visual data highlights crime hotspots and patterns over time, helping residents stay informed about their community’s safety.
- Explore Specific Neighborhoods: Whether you’re looking at Ballston, Arlington Ridge, or Clarendon-Courthouse, crime maps let you zoom in to see detailed, location-specific data.
- Compare Crime Density: With color-coded zones and incident markers, it’s easy to distinguish areas with lower crime rates from higher-density zones.
- Make Informed Decisions: For new residents or families, crime maps provide a helpful snapshot when choosing a neighborhood or apartment complex in Arlington.
The Arlington County Police Department’s Crime Data Hub has interactive crime maps powered by LexisNexis® that allow users to filter data by crime type, time frame, and location. It is updated regularly to ensure accuracy and transparency. You can access it here.
Comparing With the Averages
Arlington, VA, continues to outperform both state and national benchmarks when it comes to crime rates. In 2023, Arlington’s total crime rate was approximately 1,800 offenses per 100,000 persons. This figure falls below the Virginia state average of around 2,000 offenses per 100,000 persons and significantly under the national average of 2,500 offenses per 100,000 persons. This means that, compared to other U.S. cities, Arlington is a relatively safe place to live.
Law Enforcement in Arlington
From crime prevention to community engagement, Arlington’s law enforcement plays a crucial role in ensuring the area remains one of the safest places to live.
Arlington County Police Department (ACPD)
Law Enforcement in Arlington
The safety of Arlington, VA, is no coincidence—it’s the result of proactive, dedicated efforts by local law enforcement to protect the community and maintain peace. From crime prevention to community engagement, Arlington’s law enforcement plays a crucial role in ensuring the area remains one of the safest places to live.
Arlington County Police Department (ACPD)
The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is the primary agency responsible for law enforcement and public safety in Arlington. With over 300 sworn officers and support staff, the department serves approximately 240,000 residents. Its responsibilities include crime prevention, traffic safety, emergency response, and community outreach programs.
The ACPD takes a community-focused approach to policing, fostering trust and collaboration with residents through initiatives like:
- Neighborhood patrols to maintain a visible law enforcement presence
- Community events and safety programs to educate and engage with residents
- Crime prevention resources to empower locals to take proactive safety measures
To learn more about ACPD programs and initiatives, visit the official Arlington County Police Department page.
Conclusion
Arlington, VA, stands out as a safe, thriving community thanks to its proactive policing, engaged residents, and robust safety measures. With crime rates consistently below state and national averages, neighborhoods like Ballston, Arlington Ridge, and Clarendon-Courthouse offer a welcoming environment.
At The Waycroft, you’re not just choosing a place to live—you’re choosing a community that prioritizes safety, convenience, and comfort. Whether you’re walking to nearby shops, enjoying local parks, or relaxing at home, you can feel confident knowing Arlington’s commitment to safety makes it one of the best places to call home.
