| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Forest Hill/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 248 | n/a (estimate) | 1,743 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 28.1 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 9 | n/a | 63.2 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 84.3 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 25 | n/a (estimate) | 176 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 40 | n/a | 281.1 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 103 | n/a | 723.8 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 80 | n/a | 562.2 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 223 | n/a (estimate) | 1,567 | 2,041 | 1,760 |

The Forest Hill crime rates are 17.8% 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 25 violent crimes in Forest Hill (176 per 100,000 people), which is 51.1% lower than the national average and there were a total of 223 property crimes (1567 per 100,000 residents) which is 11% lower than average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Forest Hill 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.
In the most recent release, Forest Hill reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Forest Hill, there were 1567 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Forest Hill ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 80 vehicle thefts, amounting to 562 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Forest Hill within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 178.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Forest Hill residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 15 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 60% of Forest Hill residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 40% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill crime rate is 18% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.68 crimes per day - 0.07 violent crimes and 0.61 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Forest Hill. 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 Forest Hill has decreased by 29.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 67.5%, while property crime has decreased by 18.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Forest Hill.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Forest Hill, the cost of living is 6.49% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Forest Hill is $202,891, compared to a national average of $326,622.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Forest Hill are $1,718, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Forest Hill | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 24 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Texas /100K | National /100K |
| Texas | 95,281 | 443 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Westover Hills, TX | 771 | 0 | 315 | 315 |
| Lakeside, TX | 1,671 | 63 | 379 | 442 |
| Dalworthington Gardens, TX | 2,245 | 44 | 441 | 485 |
| Kennedale, TX | 8,612 | 169 | 329 | 498 |
| Westworth Village, TX | 2,820 | 108 | 568 | 677 |
| Joshua, TX | 8,091 | 65 | 703 | 768 |
| Blue Mound, TX | 2,372 | 132 | 745 | 877 |
| Forest Hill, TX | 13,444 | 176 | 1,567 | 1,743 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rocky Point, NY | 13,458 | 284 | 1,286 | 1,570 |
| Red Oak, TX | 13,428 | 187 | 2,089 | 2,276 |
| Moody, AL | 13,428 | 175 | 838 | 1,013 |
| Jupiter Farms, FL | 13,461 | 102 | 541 | 643 |
| Sarasota Springs, FL | 13,467 | 180 | 957 | 1,137 |
| Forest Hill, TX | 13,444 | 176 | 1,567 | 1,743 |