Desert Highlands Neighborhood, Tucson
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safety at a Glance
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in Tucson
Is Desert Highlands Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Desert Highlands in Tucson, AZ has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 165, which is 65% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Tucson average (crime index 120), Desert Highlands is 45% 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: 195, 95% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 157).
Desert Highlands Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Tucson city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
187 | +87% | High | |
|
Assault
|
165 | +65% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
195 | +95% | High | |
|
Rape
|
177 | +77% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
157 | +57% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
179 | +79% | High | |
How Desert Highlands Compares
Crime index by category: Desert Highlands vs Tucson average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Desert 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
Desert Highlands Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Desert Highlands, Tucson?
Desert Highlands in Tucson, AZ has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 165, which is 65% above the national average. Compared to the Tucson average, crime in Desert Highlands is 45% higher.
Is Desert Highlands a safe neighborhood in Tucson?
Desert Highlands is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Tucson, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 195), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 157).
How does Desert Highlands compare to the rest of Tucson?
Desert Highlands's overall crime index is 165, compared to the Tucson average of 120. This means crime in Desert Highlands is 45% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 181, and for property crime it is 177. 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 Desert Highlands?
The most prevalent crime type in Desert Highlands is Robbery, with a crime index of 195 (95% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Desert Highlands?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Northwest, Mountain First Avenue, Jefferson Park and Samos. These areas are close to Desert Highlands and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Desert Highlands?
Desert Highlands has a population of approximately 317. The median household income is $49,991. The median home value is $327,027. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Desert Highlands crime compare to the national average?
Desert Highlands's overall crime rate is 65% above the national average (index 165 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 April 2026.