Central Heights Neighborhood, Waterloo
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
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in Waterloo
Is Central Heights Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Central Heights in Waterloo, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 54, which is 46% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Waterloo average (crime index 134), Central Heights is 80% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Waterloo as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 153, 53% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 28).
Central Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Waterloo city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
28 | -72% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
153 | +53% | High | |
|
Rape
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
98 | -2% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
135 | +35% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
96 | -4% | Average | |
How Central Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Central Heights vs Waterloo average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central 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
Central Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central Heights, Waterloo?
Central Heights in Waterloo, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 54, which is 46% below the national average. Compared to the Waterloo average, crime in Central Heights is 80% lower.
Is Central Heights a safe neighborhood in Waterloo?
Central Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Waterloo, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 153), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 28).
How does Central Heights compare to the rest of Waterloo?
Central Heights's overall crime index is 54, compared to the Waterloo average of 134. This means crime in Central Heights is 80% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 95, and for property crime it is 110. 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 Central Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Central Heights is Robbery, with a crime index of 153 (53% 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 Central Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Alabar Hills, Edison, Neighbors Who Care and Chautauqua Park. These areas are close to Central Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central Heights?
Central Heights has a population of approximately 176. The median household income is $68,387. The median home value is $171,363. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central Heights crime compare to the national average?
Central Heights's overall crime rate is 46% below the national average (index 54 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.