A+
82%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
54%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
87%
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 peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime20n/a (estimate)4301,6202,324
Murder0n/a0.03.16.3
Rape0n/a0.016.840.0
Robbery0n/a0.047.666.1
Assault8n/a171.9135.4268.2
Violent crime8n/a (estimate)172203370
Burglary0n/a0.0148.0269.8
Theft12n/a257.81,109.11,401.9
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0159.6282.7
Property crime12n/a (estimate)2581,4171,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Highlands, NJ

The Highlands crime rates are 81.5% lower 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 8 violent crimes in Highlands (172 per 100,000 people), which is 53.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 12 property crimes (258 per 100,000 residents) which is 86.8% lower than average.

Highlands enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 430, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. This distinction firmly establishes Highlands as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Highlands reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Highlands has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 258 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Highlands remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Highlands was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Highlands?

What do the local residents think about crime in Highlands? Well, based on a recent survey of 5 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 60% of Highlands residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 40% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Highlands a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Highlands is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Highlands has a total crime rate that is 82% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.05 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.03 daily property crimes) in Highlands.

Has Crime in Highlands Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Highlands. 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 Highlands has decreased by 20%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 166.7%, while property crime has decreased by 45.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Highlands.

Potential Causes for Crime in Highlands

Highlands has a poverty rate that stands at 5.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Highlands crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Highlands crime rates. For instance, in Highlands, the population density stands at 6411.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Highlands, the cost of living is 14.75% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased 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, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Highlands crime rates are 82% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Highlands are 54% lower than the national average
      • In Highlands you have a 1 in 233 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Highlands is safer than 72% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Highlands has decreased by 20%

      Highlands, NJ 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)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Highlands, per 100,000 residents. In Highlands, the total number of daily crimes is 3.77 times less than the New Jersey average and 5.41 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Highlands are 1.18 times less than the New Jersey average and 2.15 times less than the national average. For property crime, Highlands has a daily crime rate that is 5.49 times less than the New Jersey average and 7.58 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Highlands (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Highlands, New Jersey compared to other areas of New Jersey, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Highlands safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Highlands is safer than 48% of New Jersey cities, and 72% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in New Jersey, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Highlands. At this time, Highlands sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Highlands

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Highlands is 1 in 582
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Highlands is 1 in 388
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Highlands is 1 in 233
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Highlands, New Jersey you have a 1 in 582 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 388 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 233 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Highlands.

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

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Highlands, New Jersey (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Highlands has increased by 169%, the amount of property crime in Highlands has decreased by 45%, and the total amount of crime in Highlands has decreased by 19% year over year.

        Highlands police department

        Item Highlands New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1614,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.25.73.3
        There are a total of 16 Highlands police officers. This results in 3.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 43.8% less than the New Jersey average and 2.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New Jersey

        State Total offenders New Jersey /100K National /100K
        New Jersey4,53954266
        There are a total of 4,539 sex offenders in New Jersey. This yields a total of 54 sex offenders in New Jersey per 100,000 residents which is 80% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Matawan, NJ8,69604141
        Union Beach, NJ5,36235140174
        Atlantic Beach, NY1,34160242302
        East Atlantic Beach, NY1,86767270337
        Navesink, NJ1,33148338386
        Belford, NJ2,04956391447
        Ocean Grove, NJ3,15157400458
        Highlands, NJ4,746172258430

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Telford, PA4,747152804956
        Guerneville, CA4,7473211,5031,824
        West Elmira, NY4,7454001,6062,007
        Columbia, KY4,748100260360
        Dallas, NC4,7442141,8902,103
        Highlands, NJ4,746172258430
        Source: The Highlands, NJ 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.