Question 1

Is 85281 a safe area?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 85281 in Tempe has a crime score of 50/100, which is roughly average for the region. Reported incidents per 1,000 residents track close to the Tempe city median. Both violent and property crime fall within the expected range for an urban ZIP code. Reviewing the Full Crime Report for 85281 and checking the local police department's crime mapping tool for current incident patterns before making decisions is recommended.

Question 2

What are the best schools near 85281?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 85281 has a school score of 100/100, based on NCES EdFacts math and reading proficiency data for public schools in and near ZIP 85281. Schools in this area perform significantly above state averages — proficiency rates consistently outpace both the city and national benchmarks. For families prioritizing public school quality, 85281 ranks among the stronger ZIP codes in Tempe. Scores reflect SY 2020-21 EdFacts assessment data; individual school performance may vary, and reviewing each school's most recent state report card is recommended.

Question 3

What is the average home price in 85281?

Accepted Answer

The median home sale price in 85281 is approximately $401K, based on recent Zillow Research ZHVI data. This places 85281 near the metro median for comparable neighborhoods. Median rent in 85281 is available in the Full Market Report. Prices fluctuate with market conditions; Zillow data reflects trailing sale prices, not current listing prices.

Question 4

Is 85281 a good place to live?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 85281 has an overall NeighborScore of 67/100, placing it in the moderate range for Tempe. The score combines crime rate (40% weight), school quality (35%), and relative property value (25%), each normalized to the metro area. At 67/100, 85281 scores similarly to the middle tier of Tempe neighborhoods — neither among the strongest nor the weakest performers. Individual priorities (commute, school age, budget) should guide how much weight you give this composite vs. the component scores.

Tempe — ZIP 85281

Real Estate Snapshot

Crime Overview

Nearby Schools

Demographics

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Neighborhoods

School	Grades	Students	Math ↓	Reading
New School for the Arts	09–12	—	—	—
New School for the Arts Middle School	06–08	—	—	—
ASU Preparatory Academy Digital	KG–12	—	—	—
Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School	06–08	—	—	—
Holdeman Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
Cecil Shamley School	PK–08	—	—	—
Scales Technology Academy	PK–05	—	—	—
Flora Thew Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
Tempe High School	09–12	—	—	—