| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Highlands/100k people | North Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 3,993 | 2,469 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 30.5 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 54.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 311.6 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 0 | 405 | 370 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 635.2 | 370.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 36 | n/a | 3,266.8 | 1,494.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 90.7 | 199.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 3,993 | 2,064 | 1,954 |
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
| Item | Highlands | North Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 14,511 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 12.8 | 4.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| North Carolina | 26,293 | 320 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sky Valley, GA | 666 | 148 | 683 | 831 |
| Dillard, GA | 328 | 348 | 1,603 | 1,951 |
| Salem, SC | 175 | 0 | 2,479 | 2,479 |
| Tiger, GA | 574 | 493 | 2,273 | 2,766 |
| Mountain City, GA | 1,068 | 538 | 2,480 | 3,018 |
| Franklin, NC | 4,030 | 256 | 2,914 | 3,171 |
| Clayton, GA | 1,837 | 242 | 5,184 | 5,426 |
| Highlands, NC | 1,061 | 0 | 3,993 | 3,993 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Dexter, NM | 1,061 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Boise City, OK | 1,061 | 447 | 1,698 | 2,145 |
| Marion Center, MA | 1,061 | 45 | 150 | 195 |
| South Pekin, IL | 1,061 | 148 | 866 | 1,014 |
| La Puebla, NM | 1,061 | 300 | 1,149 | 1,450 |
| Highlands, NC | 1,061 | 0 | 3,993 | 3,993 |
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