Hillcrest Neighborhood, San Diego
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 49% of neighborhoods in San Diego
Safety at a Glance
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in San Diego
Is Hillcrest Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Hillcrest in San Diego, CA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 174, which is 74% above the national average of 100. Hillcrest is safer than 49% of neighborhoods in San Diego.
Compared to the San Diego average (crime index 102), Hillcrest is 72% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 175, 75% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 62).
Hillcrest Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and San Diego city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Assault
|
175 | +75% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
117 | +17% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
161 | +61% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
150 | +50% | Moderate | |
How Hillcrest Compares
Crime index by category: Hillcrest vs San Diego average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Hillcrest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Hillcrest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Hillcrest, San Diego?
Hillcrest in San Diego, CA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 174, which is 74% above the national average. Compared to the San Diego average, crime in Hillcrest is 72% higher. Hillcrest is safer than 49% of neighborhoods in San Diego.
Is Hillcrest a safe neighborhood in San Diego?
Hillcrest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in San Diego, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 175), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 62).
How does Hillcrest compare to the rest of San Diego?
Hillcrest's overall crime index is 174, compared to the San Diego average of 102. This means crime in Hillcrest is 72% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 132, 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 Hillcrest?
The most prevalent crime type in Hillcrest is Assault, with a crime index of 175 (75% 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 Hillcrest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include University Heights, Mission Hills, Midtown and Park West. These areas are close to Hillcrest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Hillcrest?
Hillcrest has a population of approximately 15,173. The median household income is $77,985. The median home value is $771,791. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Hillcrest crime compare to the national average?
Hillcrest's overall crime rate is 74% above the national average (index 174 vs 100). Within San Diego, it is safer than 49% 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.