A+
20%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
100%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
4%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleHighlands/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime19n/a (estimate)1,6932,3442,119
Murder0n/a0.07.55.0
Rape0n/a0.028.037.5
Robbery0n/a0.050.260.6
Assault0n/a0.0290.1256.1
Violent crime0n/a (estimate)0376359
Burglary3n/a267.4323.9229.2
Theft16n/a1,426.01,390.21,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0254.1258.8
Property crime19n/a (estimate)1,6931,9681,760

Highlands crime map

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The Highlands crime map by CrimeoMeter 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Highlands, NC

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Highlands crime rate is 20.1% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Highlands, there were 0 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 0 per 100,000 individuals, 100% lower than the national average. Additionally, Highlands recorded 19 property crimes, amounting to 1693 per 100,000 residents, 3.8% lower than the U.S. average.

Highlands proudly boasts an impeccable safety record with no reported instances of violent crime. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the city's dedication to fostering a secure environment for its residents and visitors. In an age where safety is so important, Highlands shines as a beacon of tranquility. This absence of violent crime not only solidifies its reputation as a desirable place to live and visit but also provides a profound sense of security for all residents.

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.

Highlands exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1693 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Highlands maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Highlands stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Highlands?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Highlands residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 10 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 50% of Highlands 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, 50% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Highlands a Safe Place to Live?

Is Highlands a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Highlands has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 20%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.05 daily incidents, encompassing 0 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Highlands as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Highlands Increased Since Last Year?

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 decreased by 40.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 100% and property crime has decreased by 34.5%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Highlands

In Highlands, 91% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Highlands stands at $1,048,160, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Highlands, the average monthly rent stands at $1,459, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

Compare Highlands, NC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Highlands crime rates are 20% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Highlands are 100% lower than the national average
      • In Highlands you have a 1 in 60 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Highlands is safer than 68% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Highlands has decreased by 57%

      Highlands, NC Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Highlands

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        Daily Crime In Highlands (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Highlands (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Highlands

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Highlands is 0
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Highlands is 1 in 60
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Highlands is 1 in 60

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

        Highlands police department

        Item Highlands North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1214,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents12.84.83.3
        There are a total of 12 Highlands police officers. This results in 12.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 168.2% greater than the North Carolina average and 293.9% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in North Carolina

        State Total offenders North Carolina /100K National /100K
        North Carolina26,293320266
        There are a total of 26,293 sex offenders in North Carolina. This yields a total of 320 sex offenders in North Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 20% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Mountain City, GA1,096151774925
        Glenville, NC103152795947
        Cashiers, NC749152795947
        Dillard, GA3412851,4631,748
        Tiger, GA5863621,8612,224
        Salem, SC1805252,3612,886
        Franklin, NC4,1232512,9023,153
        Highlands, NC1,09501,6931,693

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Lamar, TX1,09566347413
        Vanceboro, NC1,0951759131,088
        Rocky Ridge, UT1,09598598696
        Ranchester, WY1,09572439512
        Ellendale, ND1,095125825949
        Highlands, NC1,09501,6931,693
        Source: The Highlands, NC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.