Highlands Neighborhood, Tacoma
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Summary: Highlands, Tacoma Crime Rate (2026)
Highlands in Tacoma, WA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 120, which is 20% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 21, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Tacoma
Is Highlands Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Highlands in Tacoma, WA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 120, which is 20% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Tacoma average (crime index 122), Highlands is 2% lower 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: 138, 38% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 80).
Highlands Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Tacoma city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
138 | +38% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
87 | -13% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
135 | +35% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
106 | +6% | Moderate | |
How Highlands Compares
Crime index by category: Highlands vs Tacoma average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Highlands Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Highlands Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Highlands, Tacoma?
Highlands in Tacoma, WA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 120, which is 20% above the national average. Compared to the Tacoma average, crime in Highlands is 2% lower.
Is Highlands a safe neighborhood in Tacoma?
Highlands is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Tacoma, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 138), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 80).
How does Highlands compare to the rest of Tacoma?
Highlands's overall crime index is 120, compared to the Tacoma average of 122. This means crime in Highlands is 2% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 102, and for property crime it is 109. 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 Highlands?
The most prevalent crime type in Highlands is Assault, with a crime index of 138 (38% 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 Highlands?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include West Slope, West End, Fircrest and Central Tacoma. These areas are close to Highlands and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Highlands?
Highlands has a population of approximately 781. The median household income is $73,052. The median home value is $405,769. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Highlands crime compare to the national average?
Highlands's overall crime rate is 20% above the national average (index 120 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 May 2026.