Nelson Heights Neighborhood, Lubbock
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safety at a Glance
Is Nelson Heights Safe?
Nelson Heights in Lubbock, TX has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 113, which is 13% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Lubbock average (crime index 101), Nelson Heights is 12% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 159, 59% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 78).
Overall, Nelson 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.
Nelson Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Lubbock city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
135 | +35% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
159 | +59% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
120 | +20% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
How Nelson Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Nelson Heights vs Lubbock average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Nelson Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Nelson Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Nelson Heights, Lubbock?
Nelson Heights in Lubbock, TX has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 113, which is 13% above the national average. Compared to the Lubbock average, crime in Nelson Heights is 12% higher.
Is Nelson Heights a safe neighborhood in Lubbock?
Nelson Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Lubbock, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 159), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 78).
How does Nelson Heights compare to the rest of Lubbock?
Nelson Heights's overall crime index is 113, compared to the Lubbock average of 101. This means crime in Nelson Heights is 12% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 131, and for property crime it is 115. 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 Nelson Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Nelson Heights is Rape, with a crime index of 159 (59% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Nelson Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Ballenger, Harwell, Clapp Park and Slaton-Bean. These areas are close to Nelson Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Nelson Heights?
Nelson Heights has a population of approximately 82. The median household income is $40,085. The median home value is $84,608. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Nelson Heights crime compare to the national average?
Nelson Heights's overall crime rate is 13% above the national average (index 113 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.