Highland Park, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Highland Park, IL

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Highland Park is 47% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 20 violent crimes reported in Highland Park, equivalent to 66 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 82.1%. Additionally, Highland Park recorded 352 property crimes, amounting to 1167 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 40.3%.

With only 66 incidents per 100,000 people, Highland Park boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Highland Park has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Highland Park?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Highland Park residents. Out of the respondents (5 in total), 80% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Highland Park were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 20% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Highland Park a Safe Place to Live?

Is Highland Park a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Highland Park has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 47%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.02 daily incidents, encompassing 0.05 violent crimes and 0.96 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Highland Park as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Highland Park Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Highland Park. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Highland Park has increased by 73.8%. Specifically, violent crime has didn't change by 0%, while property crime has increased by 81.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Highland Park.

Potential Causes for Crime in Highland Park

Highland Park reports an unemployment rate of 2.7%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Highland Park crime rates.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Highland Park, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.51, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Highland Park, the average rental rates are $1,666 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Highland Park crime map