University Heights Neighborhood, Portland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
Is University Heights Safe?
University Heights in Portland, OR has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Portland average (crime index 102), University Heights is 39% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 179, 79% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 95). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Overall, University 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.
University 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
|
152 | +52% | High | |
|
Assault
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Rape
|
179 | +79% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
154 | +54% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
164 | +64% | High | |
How University Heights Compares
Crime index by category: University Heights vs Portland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
University Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
University Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in University Heights, Portland?
University Heights in Portland, OR has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 141, which is 41% above the national average. Compared to the Portland average, crime in University Heights is 39% higher.
Is University Heights a safe neighborhood in Portland?
University Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Portland, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Rape (index: 179), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 95).
How does University Heights compare to the rest of Portland?
University Heights's overall crime index is 141, compared to the Portland average of 102. This means crime in University Heights is 39% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 164, and for property crime it is 138. 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 University Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in University Heights is Rape, with a crime index of 179 (79% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near University Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include University Park, Portsmouth, Northwest Industrial and Cathedral Park. These areas are close to University Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of University Heights?
University Heights has a population of approximately 27. The median household income is $94,096. The median home value is $603,787. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does University Heights crime compare to the national average?
University Heights's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average (index 141 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.