South Washington Heights Neighborhood, Roanoke
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — significantly above-average crime rates
Safer than 6% of neighborhoods in Roanoke
Safety at a Glance
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in Roanoke
Is South Washington Heights Safe?
No — this is a high-crime area. South Washington Heights in Roanoke, VA has a safety grade of D. The overall crime index is 184, which is 84% above the national average of 100. South Washington Heights is safer than 6% of neighborhoods in Roanoke.
Compared to the Roanoke average (crime index 118), South Washington Heights is 66% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 190, 90% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 161).
South Washington Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Roanoke city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Assault
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
190 | +90% | High | |
|
Rape
|
190 | +90% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
190 | +90% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
189 | +89% | High | |
How South Washington Heights Compares
Crime index by category: South Washington Heights vs Roanoke average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Washington 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
South Washington Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Washington Heights, Roanoke?
South Washington Heights in Roanoke, VA has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime index is 184, which is 84% above the national average. Compared to the Roanoke average, crime in South Washington Heights is 66% higher. South Washington Heights is safer than 6% of neighborhoods in Roanoke.
Is South Washington Heights a safe neighborhood in Roanoke?
South Washington Heights has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 190), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 161).
How does South Washington Heights compare to the rest of Roanoke?
South Washington Heights's overall crime index is 184, compared to the Roanoke average of 118. This means crime in South Washington Heights is 66% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 188, and for property crime it is 180. 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 South Washington Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in South Washington Heights is Robbery, with a crime index of 190 (90% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near South Washington Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Wilmont, Edgewood / Summit Hills, Ridgewood Park and Villa Heights. These areas are close to South Washington Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Washington Heights?
South Washington Heights has a population of approximately 1,511. The median household income is $23,144. The median home value is $193,394. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Washington Heights crime compare to the national average?
South Washington Heights's overall crime rate is 84% above the national average (index 184 vs 100). Within Roanoke, it is safer than 6% of neighborhoods. 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.