Is University Heights, Bronx Safe in 2026?
Based on 2,816 NYPD-reported crime incidents, 236 shooting incidents, and 11,221 311 quality-of-life complaints recorded over the past 12 months, University Heights is below the Bronx average for crime with incidents trending upward (182.2% increase year-over-year).
University Heights is considered a high-activity area, ranking safer than 63% of the borough. Incidents are trending up with 2,816 total incidents recorded over the past 12 months.
Data covers April 2025 – April 2026 (12 months) · Source: NYPD CompStat & NYC 311 via NYC Open Data · Updated April 5, 2026
Safety Dashboard
Total Crime Incidents
2,816
Past 12 months
Shooting Incidents
236
32 fatal
Violent Crimes
665
1,124 felonies total
Year-over-Year Trend
↑ 182.2%
182.2% more incidents
Crime Breakdown
Most Common Crime Types
| Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| petit larceny | 426 | 15.1% |
| harrassment 2 | 381 | 13.5% |
| assault 3 & related offenses | 360 | 12.8% |
| felony assault | 261 | 9.3% |
| grand larceny | 247 | 8.8% |
| criminal mischief & related of | 180 | 6.4% |
| robbery | 154 | 5.5% |
| vehicle and traffic laws | 154 | 5.5% |
Severity Distribution
Where Crimes Occur
Quality of Life Indicators
311 complaints reveal patterns about daily quality of life that crime statistics alone do not capture. These are resident-reported issues from the past 12 months.
Noise Complaints
6,055
173.0 per 1,000 residents
Very High
Rodent Reports
121
3.5 per 1,000 residents
Low
Sanitation Issues
0
0.0 per 1,000 residents
Low
Heat/Hot Water
5,045
144.1 per 1,000 residents
Very High
Arrest Activity
Arrest data reflects law enforcement activity in the area. High arrest counts relative to crime can indicate active policing; low counts may reflect under-enforcement or lower crime.
Total Arrests
1,337
Past 12 months
Felony Arrests
506
38% of total
Misdemeanor Arrests
809
61% of total
How Safe Is University Heights Compared to Other Bronx Neighborhoods?
Bronx Neighborhood Safety Comparison
| Neighborhood | Crime Incidents | Shootings | Verdict | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsbridge | 2,787 | 140 | High Activity Area | 82% |
| Morris Park | 1,344 | 51 | High Activity Area | 82% |
| Fordham | 1,606 | 177 | High Activity Area | 79% |
| Pelham Parkway | 1,786 | 56 | High Activity Area | 77% |
| South Bronx | 2,830 | 369 | High Activity Area | 63% |
| University Heights (this page) | 2,816 | 236 | High Activity Area | 63% |
| Mott Haven | 5,881 | 572 | High Activity Area | 61% |
| Concourse | 7,162 | 697 | High Activity Area | 53% |
| Pelham Bay | 3,960 | 385 | High Activity Area | 48% |
| Riverdale | 5,191 | 399 | High Activity Area | 32% |
Understanding This Data
All crime statistics on this page are sourced directly from the NYPD CompStat database via NYC Open Data. Incidents are mapped to neighborhood boundaries using the NYC Department of City Planning Neighborhood Tabulation Areas (NTAs) — the same geographic units used in official census reporting. Each safety score reflects the cumulative activity within the NTA boundaries assigned to University Heights.
NTA boundaries are drawn to maintain population comparability across census tracts, which means they may not perfectly align with what residents consider their "neighborhood." In some cases, a single NTA spans areas with different character. The percentile ranking compares University Heights only against other NTAs within Bronx, so scores are borough-relative rather than city-wide.
Safety conditions vary significantly block by block. Neighborhood-level statistics provide important context but should not substitute for address-level research. Use DwellCheck to analyze a specific address and understand the precise safety environment within walking distance of where you plan to live.
Frequently Asked Questions about University Heights Safety
Is University Heights safe?
University Heights is rated "High Activity Area" — Among the highest activity areas. Over the past 12 months, 2,816 crime incidents were recorded, including 236 shooting incidents. University Heights is considered a high-activity area, ranking safer than 63% of the borough. Incidents are trending up with 2,816 total incidents recorded over the past 12 months.
What are the most common crimes in University Heights?
The most common crimes in University Heights are: 1. PETIT LARCENY (426 incidents, 15.1% of total); 2. HARRASSMENT 2 (381 incidents, 13.5% of total); 3. ASSAULT 3 & RELATED OFFENSES (360 incidents, 12.8% of total).
Is University Heights safer than the Bronx average?
University Heights is safer than 63% of Bronx neighborhoods. It had 26% fewer incidents than the borough average (2,816 vs. a borough average of 3,800).
How has crime changed in University Heights?
Crime in University Heights has worsened by 182.2% year-over-year, rising from 998 to 2,816 incidents. The trend is classified as "worsening."
What do 311 complaints say about University Heights?
311 data shows 6,055 Very High complaints, 121 Low complaints, and 0 Low complaints. These quality-of-life indicators provide context beyond crime statistics.
Is University Heights safe at night?
Night safety in University Heights varies by block. About 40% of crimes occur on streets and sidewalks. University Heights recorded 236 shooting incidents (32 fatal) in the past 12 months. Use DwellCheck to research specific addresses and understand block-by-block conditions.
Is University Heights safe for families?
For families considering University Heights: the neighborhood recorded 6,055 noise complaints (very high for Bronx) and 121 rodent reports. It ranks safer than 63% of Bronx neighborhoods, which is above average. Family-friendliness also depends on schools, parks, and building quality — use DwellCheck to evaluate a specific address.
What is the safest neighborhood in Bronx?
Safety varies across Bronx neighborhoods. University Heights ranks at the 63th percentile with 2,816 incidents. Compare all Bronx neighborhoods in the comparison table above to see how each ranks by total crime, shootings, and borough percentile. All data is sourced from NYPD CompStat.
Check a Specific Address in University Heights
Neighborhood statistics tell part of the story. Get address-level crime data, building health scores, and transit access for any specific location in University Heights.
Search an Address in University Heights