Is Hillcrest Heights Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hillcrest Heights
Hillcrest Heights, Maryland, offers a suburban lifestyle with proximity to major urban centers. This community provides a diverse range of amenities and a distinct demographic makeup. Understanding the various facets of life in Hillcrest Heights is key for anyone considering a move to this Prince George’s County locale.
The area is characterized by its predominantly Black or African American population, which constitutes a significant majority. This demographic profile is a defining feature of Hillcrest Heights, influencing its cultural landscape and community dynamics. The presence of a substantial Hispanic population also contributes to the area’s diversity.
Is it Safe to Live in Hillcrest Heights?
Hillcrest Heights experiences crime rates that are higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 47.39 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Violent crimes are also notably higher than the national average, with a rate of 7.744 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Your chance of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood within Hillcrest Heights. The west part of the city is generally considered the safest, while the northeast neighborhoods present a higher risk. Residents have a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Hillcrest Heights (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Hillcrest Heights is approximately 16% higher than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs, in particular, are less affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
As of March 2026, the median home price in Hillcrest Heights was $320,000, reflecting a decrease of 10.6% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Hillcrest Heights typically sell after 55 days on the market, a longer period than the previous year’s average of 17 days (as reported by Redfin).
Rental Market
The average rent in Hillcrest Heights is $1,447 per month, which is 12% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). A studio apartment averages $1,369 per month, a one-bedroom is approximately $1,447 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment costs around $1,621 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
For those considering renting, it’s generally advised to allocate no more than 30 percent of your monthly income to rent. This would mean aiming for a monthly income of about $4,823, or $57,876 annually, to comfortably afford the average rent (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
The median household income in Hillcrest Heights is $82,785 (as reported by Data USA and Census ACS 5-Year 2023). However, this figure is below the median household income for both Prince George’s County and the state of Maryland (as reported by Data USA and Maryland State Authority).
The unemployment rate in Hillcrest Heights is 4.7%, which is higher than the U.S. average of approximately 4% (as reported by Maryland State Authority). Major employment sectors for residents include Educational Services, Public Administration, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers
While specific major employers within Hillcrest Heights are not detailed, the broader region of Prince George’s County and surrounding areas boast significant employment opportunities. Key industries in the vicinity include government, education, healthcare, and technology.
Major employers in the wider Maryland area include institutions like Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and Howard County General Hospital (as reported by Dorsey Family Homes and HCEDA). These larger entities contribute to the overall economic stability and job availability for residents in the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Climate and Weather
Hillcrest Heights experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns. Summers are warm and muggy, while winters are cold and snowy, with partly cloudy conditions throughout the year (as reported by Weather Spark).
The hot season spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 79°F. July is typically the hottest month, with highs around 87°F and lows of 70°F. The cold season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F. January is the coldest month, with lows around 29°F and highs of 43°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Precipitation
Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Hillcrest Heights. May typically sees the most rain, with an average of 3.5 inches, while January receives the least, averaging 2.1 inches (as reported by Weather Spark).
The drier season generally lasts from late August to late April. January experiences the fewest wet days, with an average of 7.0 days receiving precipitation. Rain alone is the most common form of precipitation, with a peak probability around mid-June (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education and Schools
Information on specific school ratings for Hillcrest Heights is not readily available from a single comprehensive source. However, general data for the area suggests a mixed landscape for educational institutions.
Niche.com provides ratings for various schools, with some public high schools in or near Hillcrest Heights receiving grades such as A+ and C+ (as reported by Niche). These ratings are based on factors like state test scores, college readiness, and teacher quality.
Demographics
Hillcrest Heights has a population of approximately 16,063 residents (as reported by Data USA and Census Dots). The community is ethnically diverse, with a significant majority identifying as Black or African American.
The racial composition includes approximately 81.8% Black or African American, 12.2% Hispanic, and 3.9% White (as reported by Census Dots and Niche). The median age in Hillcrest Heights is 43.2 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by Census Bureau QuickFacts).