Defense Heights Neighborhood, Hyattsville
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Hyattsville
Is Defense Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is very safe. Defense Heights in Hyattsville, MD has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 32, which is 68% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Hyattsville average (crime index 84), Defense Heights is 52% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Hyattsville as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 142, 42% above average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 33). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Defense Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Hyattsville city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
33 | -67% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
41 | -59% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
How Defense Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Defense Heights vs Hyattsville average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Defense 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
Defense Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Defense Heights, Hyattsville?
Defense Heights in Hyattsville, MD has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 32, which is 68% below the national average. Compared to the Hyattsville average, crime in Defense Heights is 52% lower.
Is Defense Heights a safe neighborhood in Hyattsville?
Defense Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Hyattsville, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 142), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 33).
How does Defense Heights compare to the rest of Hyattsville?
Defense Heights's overall crime index is 32, compared to the Hyattsville average of 84. This means crime in Defense Heights is 52% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 57, and for property crime it is 95. 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 Defense Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Defense Heights is Burglary, with a crime index of 142 (42% 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 Defense Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Woodlawn, Cheverly, Oakwood Knolls and Greenbrier. These areas are close to Defense Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Defense Heights?
Defense Heights has a population of approximately 1,362. The median household income is $83,797. The median home value is $359,166. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Defense Heights crime compare to the national average?
Defense Heights's overall crime rate is 68% below the national average (index 32 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.