| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Highland Park/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 261 | n/a (estimate) | 861 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 6.6 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 19.8 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 7 | n/a | 23.1 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 15 | n/a (estimate) | 49 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 21 | n/a | 69.3 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 204 | n/a | 673.0 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 21 | n/a | 69.3 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 246 | n/a (estimate) | 812 | 1,715 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Highland Park crime rate is lower than the national average by 59.4%. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes in Highland Park, equivalent to 49 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 86.2%. Furthermore, Highland Park recorded 246 property crimes, amounting to 812 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 53.9%.
With only 49 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.
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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Highland Park, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Highland Park presents a total crime rate that is 59% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Highland Park experiences an average of 0.72 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.67 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Highland Park has increased by 22%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Highland Park, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 25%, while property crime has increased by 26.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Highland Park is a safe place to live.
Highland Park has a poverty rate of 4.6, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In Highland Park, the cost of living is 51.24% 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.
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 $2,554 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Highland Park | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 75 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Illinois /100K | National /100K |
| Illinois | 32,213 | 263 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hawthorn Woods, IL | 8,495 | 0 | 137 | 137 |
| Round Lake Park, IL | 8,005 | 90 | 90 | 181 |
| Third Lake, IL | 1,192 | 41 | 241 | 281 |
| Forest Lake, IL | 1,341 | 46 | 272 | 318 |
| Knollwood, IL | 1,738 | 46 | 272 | 318 |
| Kenilworth, IL | 2,429 | 0 | 380 | 380 |
| Green Oaks, IL | 4,034 | 55 | 327 | 382 |
| Highland Park, IL | 30,564 | 49 | 812 | 861 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Texarkana, AR | 30,581 | 823 | 3,575 | 4,398 |
| Walnut, CA | 30,544 | 127 | 1,891 | 2,019 |
| Suisun City, CA | 30,544 | 389 | 1,477 | 1,867 |
| Chicago Heights, IL | 30,540 | 1,232 | 2,732 | 3,965 |
| Parkersburg, WV | 30,536 | 260 | 3,217 | 3,477 |
| Highland Park, IL | 30,564 | 49 | 812 | 861 |