Ortega Heights Neighborhood, Huntsville
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — significantly above-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
Is Ortega Heights Safe?
Ortega Heights in Huntsville, AL has a safety grade of D. The overall crime index is 188, which is 88% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Huntsville average (crime index 115), Ortega Heights is 73% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 178, 78% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 98).
Ortega Heights has elevated crime levels. Prospective residents should weigh these statistics against other factors like affordability and proximity to work. Visitors should stay alert, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables secured.
Ortega Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Huntsville city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
178 | +78% | High | |
|
Assault
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
98 | -2% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
157 | +57% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
103 | +3% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
154 | +54% | High | |
How Ortega Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Ortega Heights vs Huntsville average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Ortega Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Ortega Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Ortega Heights, Huntsville?
Ortega Heights in Huntsville, AL has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime index is 188, which is 88% above the national average. Compared to the Huntsville average, crime in Ortega Heights is 73% higher.
Is Ortega Heights a safe neighborhood in Huntsville?
Ortega Heights has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Murder (index: 178), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 98).
How does Ortega Heights compare to the rest of Huntsville?
Ortega Heights's overall crime index is 188, compared to the Huntsville average of 115. This means crime in Ortega Heights is 73% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 144, and for property crime it is 139. 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 Ortega Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Ortega Heights is Murder, with a crime index of 178 (78% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Ortega Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Northeast Huntsville, Downtown Huntsville, University Park and Medical District. These areas are close to Ortega Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Ortega Heights?
Ortega Heights has a population of approximately 48. The median household income is $27,943. The median home value is $115,107. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Ortega Heights crime compare to the national average?
Ortega Heights's overall crime rate is 88% above the national average (index 188 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 March 2026.