Hillcrest 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 Hillcrest Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is extremely safe. Hillcrest in Waterloo, IA has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 86, which is 14% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Waterloo average (crime index 134), Hillcrest is 48% 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, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 140, 40% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 71). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Hillcrest 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
|
95 | -5% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
109 | +9% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
75 | -25% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
89 | -11% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
How Hillcrest Compares
Crime index by category: Hillcrest vs Waterloo 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, Waterloo?
Hillcrest in Waterloo, IA has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 86, which is 14% below the national average. Compared to the Waterloo average, crime in Hillcrest is 48% lower.
Is Hillcrest a safe neighborhood in Waterloo?
Hillcrest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Waterloo, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 140), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 71).
How does Hillcrest compare to the rest of Waterloo?
Hillcrest's overall crime index is 86, compared to the Waterloo average of 134. This means crime in Hillcrest is 48% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 88, and for property crime it is 113. 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 Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 140 (40% 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 Alabar Hills, Edison, Chautauqua Park and Neighbors Who Care. 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 143. The median household income is $68,862. The median home value is $155,623. 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 14% below the national average (index 86 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.