85281 Zip Code, Tempe
Crime Rate & Statistics
Good safety — crime rates are below the national average
Safer than 0% of zip codes in Tempe
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Tempe
Is 85281 a Safe Zip Code?
Yes — this zip code has good safety. Zip code 85281 in Tempe, AZ has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 143, which is 43% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 0% of zip codes in Tempe.
Compared to the Tempe average (crime index 114), zip code 85281 is 29% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 174, 74% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 127).
85281 Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Tempe city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
166 | +66% | High | |
|
Assault
|
127 | +27% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
172 | +72% | High | |
|
Rape
|
173 | +73% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
174 | +74% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
170 | +70% | High | |
How 85281 Compares
Crime index by category: 85281 vs Tempe average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
85281 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
85281 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Tempe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 85281, Tempe?
Zip code 85281 in Tempe, AZ has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 143, which is 43% above the national average. Compared to the Tempe average, crime in Zip code 85281 is 29% higher. Zip code 85281 is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Tempe.
Is Zip code 85281 a safe neighborhood in Tempe?
Zip code 85281 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Tempe, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 174), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 127). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Tempe.
How does Zip code 85281 compare to the rest of Tempe?
Zip code 85281's overall crime index is 143, compared to the Tempe average of 114. This means crime in Zip code 85281 is 29% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 160, and for property crime it is 166. 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 Zip code 85281?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 85281 is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 174 (74% 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 Zip code 85281?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 85284, 85287, 85283 and 85282. These areas are close to Zip code 85281 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 85281?
Zip code 85281 has a population of approximately 66,379. The median household income is $43,821. The median home value is $443,101. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 85281 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 85281's overall crime rate is 43% above the national average (index 143 vs 100). Within Tempe, it is safer than 0% 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.