West College Heights Neighborhood, Durham
Crime Rate & Statistics
Elevated crime — noticeably above the national average
Safety at a Glance
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in Durham
Is West College Heights Safe?
No — crime is noticeably above average here. West College Heights in Durham, NC has a safety grade of D+. The overall crime index is 170, which is 70% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Durham average (crime index 85), West College Heights is 85% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 181, 81% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 71).
West College Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Durham city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
126 | +26% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
99 | -1% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
How West College Heights Compares
Crime index by category: West College Heights vs Durham average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West College Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
West College Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West College Heights, Durham?
West College Heights in Durham, NC has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 170, which is 70% above the national average. Compared to the Durham average, crime in West College Heights is 85% higher.
Is West College Heights a safe neighborhood in Durham?
West College Heights has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 181), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 71).
How does West College Heights compare to the rest of Durham?
West College Heights's overall crime index is 170, compared to the Durham average of 85. This means crime in West College Heights is 85% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 112, and for property crime it is 119. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in West College Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in West College Heights is Burglary, with a crime index of 181 (81% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near West College Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include North Carolina Central University, Forest Hills, Parkside and Rockwood. These areas are close to West College Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West College Heights?
West College Heights has a population of approximately 93. The median household income is $42,857. The median home value is $261,337. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West College Heights crime compare to the national average?
West College Heights's overall crime rate is 70% above the national average (index 170 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.