Columbia Heights Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
Is Columbia Heights Safe?
Columbia Heights in Portland, OR has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 105, which is 5% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), Columbia Heights is 3% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 112, 12% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 41).
Overall, Columbia 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.
Columbia Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Portland city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
93 | -7% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
112 | +12% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
41 | -59% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
103 | +3% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
How Columbia Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Columbia Heights vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Columbia Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Columbia Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Columbia Heights, Portland?
Columbia Heights in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 105, which is 5% above the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in Columbia Heights is 3% higher.
Is Columbia Heights a safe neighborhood in Portland?
Columbia Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 112), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 41).
How does Columbia Heights compare to the rest of Portland?
Columbia Heights's overall crime index is 105, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in Columbia Heights is 3% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 84, and for property crime it is 100. 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 Columbia Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Columbia Heights is Assault, with a crime index of 112 (12% 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 Columbia Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Woodlawn, Vernon, Concordia and King. These areas are close to Columbia Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Columbia Heights?
Columbia Heights has a population of approximately 944. The median household income is $70,387. The median home value is $581,037. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Columbia Heights crime compare to the national average?
Columbia Heights's overall crime rate is 5% above the national average (index 105 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.