| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Highland Park/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 149 | n/a (estimate) | 999 | 1,620 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 13.4 | 16.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 33.5 | 47.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 87.2 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 134 | 203 | 370 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 67.1 | 148.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 105 | n/a | 704.0 | 1,109.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 93.9 | 159.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 129 | n/a (estimate) | 865 | 1,417 | 1,954 |
The Highland Park crime rates are 57% 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 20 violent crimes in Highland Park (134 per 100,000 people), which is 63.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 129 property crimes (865 per 100,000 residents) which is 55.7% lower than average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Highland Park 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.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Highland Park. Based on the results of the surveys (8 responses), 75% of people felt that there was very little crime in Highland Park and felt safe walking alone at night. While 25% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Highland Park 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. Highland Park has a total crime rate that is 57% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.41 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 0.35 daily property crimes) in Highland Park.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Highland Park. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Highland Park has decreased by 3.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 300%, while property crimes have decreased by 13.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Highland Park, the poverty rate currently stands at 8.1%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Highland Park crime rates.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Highland Park currently has an unemployment rate of 5.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
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 Highland Park are $1,465, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| Item | Highland Park | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 33 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 5.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Jersey /100K | National /100K |
| New Jersey | 4,539 | 54 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Matawan, NJ | 8,696 | 0 | 41 | 41 |
| Helmetta, NJ | 2,232 | 0 | 41 | 41 |
| Union Beach, NJ | 5,362 | 35 | 140 | 174 |
| Ten Mile Run, NJ | 1,801 | 28 | 199 | 227 |
| Jamesburg, NJ | 5,876 | 88 | 140 | 228 |
| Peapack and Gladstone, NJ | 2,582 | 32 | 222 | 254 |
| Cranbury, NJ | 2,213 | 32 | 222 | 254 |
| Highland Park, NJ | 13,803 | 134 | 865 | 999 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ewa Beach, HI | 13,803 | 311 | 2,910 | 3,221 |
| Bexley, OH | 13,805 | 112 | 679 | 791 |
| Forest Park, IL | 13,808 | 473 | 3,559 | 4,032 |
| Havre de Grace, MD | 13,808 | 128 | 1,398 | 1,525 |
| Andrews, TX | 13,797 | 491 | 1,451 | 1,942 |
| Highland Park, NJ | 13,803 | 134 | 865 | 999 |
Here are the best places to live in New Jersey
10 Best cities in New Jersey for employment
Top 10 best public schools in Highland Park
See the best places to live in & around Highland Park