Northern Heights Neighborhood, Knoxville
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safety at a Glance
Is Northern Heights Safe?
Northern Heights in Knoxville, TN has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 152, which is 52% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Knoxville average (crime index 151), Northern Heights is 1% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 169, 69% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 26). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, Northern Heights is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.
Northern Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Knoxville city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
143 | +43% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
26 | -74% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
122 | +22% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
169 | +69% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
137 | +37% | Moderate | |
How Northern Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Northern Heights vs Knoxville average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Northern Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Northern Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Northern Heights, Knoxville?
Northern Heights in Knoxville, TN has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 152, which is 52% above the national average. Compared to the Knoxville average, crime in Northern Heights is 1% higher.
Is Northern Heights a safe neighborhood in Knoxville?
Northern Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Knoxville, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 169), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 26).
How does Northern Heights compare to the rest of Knoxville?
Northern Heights's overall crime index is 152, compared to the Knoxville average of 151. This means crime in Northern Heights is 1% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 110, and for property crime it is 143. 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 Northern Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Northern Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 169 (69% 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 Northern Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Lincoln Park, Oakwood, Sterchi Hills and North Knoxville. These areas are close to Northern Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Northern Heights?
Northern Heights has a population of approximately 44. The median household income is $44,545. The median home value is $196,790. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Northern Heights crime compare to the national average?
Northern Heights's overall crime rate is 52% above the national average (index 152 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.