B+
72%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
100%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
104%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleHighlands/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime44n/a (estimate)3,9932,4692,324
Murder0n/a0.08.16.3
Rape0n/a0.030.540.0
Robbery0n/a0.054.966.1
Assault0n/a0.0311.6268.2
Violent crime0n/a (estimate)0405370
Burglary7n/a635.2370.8269.8
Theft36n/a3,266.81,494.01,401.9
Vehicle theft1n/a90.7199.3282.7
Property crime44n/a (estimate)3,9932,0641,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Highlands, NC

The Highlands crime rates are 71.8% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 0 violent crimes in Highlands (0 per 100,000 people), which is 100% lower than the national average and there were a total of 44 property crimes (3993 per 100,000 residents) which is 104.3% higher than average.

Highlands deserves recognition for its outstanding safety record, having reported no instances of violent crime in the latest crime report. This remarkable achievement underscores the city's commitment to ensuring the well-being of its residents and visitors. In an era where safety is of paramount importance, Highlands sets an example as a secure and peaceful urban environment. This lack of reported violent crime contributes significantly to its reputation as a desirable place to live and visit, offering a sense of security that is truly invaluable.

Highlands showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Highlands reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3993 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 26 chance of falling victim to property crime in Highlands, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Highlands?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Highlands. Based on the results of the surveys (8 responses), 50% of people felt that there was very little crime in Highlands and felt safe walking alone at night. While 50% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Highlands a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Highlands a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Highlands crime rate is 72% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.12 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes.

Has Crime in Highlands Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Highlands crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Highlands has increased by 37.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 100% and property crime has increased by 51.7%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Highlands

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Highlands crime rates. The population density in Highlands is 173.2 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Highlands, 91% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

In Highlands, the cost of living is 39.21% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

Highlands crime map



The Highlands crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Highlands as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Highlands crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Highlands crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Highlands, NC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Highlands crime rates are 72% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Highlands are 100% lower than the national average
      • In Highlands you have a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Highlands is safer than 49% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Highlands has increased by 23%

      Highlands, NC Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Highlands

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        How would you rate the amount of crime in Highlands?
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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Highlands?
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        See all Highlands poll results

        Daily Crime In Highlands (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Highlands (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Highlands

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Highlands is 0
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Highlands is 1 in 26
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Highlands is 1 in 26

        Year Over Year Crime In Highlands (per 100,000 people)

        Highlands police department

        Item Highlands North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1214,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents12.84.83.3
        There are a total of 12 Highlands police officers. This results in 12.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 168.2% greater than the North Carolina average and 293.9% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in North Carolina

        State Total offenders North Carolina /100K National /100K
        North Carolina26,293320266
        There are a total of 26,293 sex offenders in North Carolina. This yields a total of 320 sex offenders in North Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 20% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Sky Valley, GA666148683831
        Dillard, GA3283481,6031,951
        Salem, SC17502,4792,479
        Tiger, GA5744932,2732,766
        Mountain City, GA1,0685382,4803,018
        Franklin, NC4,0302562,9143,171
        Clayton, GA1,8372425,1845,426
        Highlands, NC1,06103,9933,993

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Dexter, NM1,061000
        Boise City, OK1,0614471,6982,145
        Marion Center, MA1,06145150195
        South Pekin, IL1,0611488661,014
        Bluewater, AZ1,0615752,7393,313
        Highlands, NC1,06103,9933,993
        Source: The Highlands, NC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.