| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Highlands/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 430 | 1,620 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 16.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 47.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 171.9 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 8 | n/a (estimate) | 172 | 203 | 370 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 148.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 12 | n/a | 257.8 | 1,109.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 159.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 258 | 1,417 | 1,954 |
The Highlands crime rates are 81.5% 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 8 violent crimes in Highlands (172 per 100,000 people), which is 53.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 12 property crimes (258 per 100,000 residents) which is 86.8% lower than average.
Highlands enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 430, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. This distinction firmly establishes Highlands as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.
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.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Highlands has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 258 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Highlands remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Highlands was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
What do the local residents think about crime in Highlands? Well, based on a recent survey of 5 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 60% of Highlands residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 40% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Highlands 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. Highlands has a total crime rate that is 82% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.05 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.03 daily property crimes) in Highlands.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Highlands. 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 Highlands has decreased by 20%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 166.7%, while property crime has decreased by 45.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Highlands.
Highlands has a poverty rate that stands at 5.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Highlands crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Highlands crime rates. For instance, in Highlands, the population density stands at 6411.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Highlands, the cost of living is 14.75% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
| Item | Highlands | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 16 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 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 |
| Union Beach, NJ | 5,362 | 35 | 140 | 174 |
| Atlantic Beach, NY | 1,341 | 60 | 242 | 302 |
| East Atlantic Beach, NY | 1,867 | 67 | 270 | 337 |
| Navesink, NJ | 1,331 | 48 | 338 | 386 |
| Belford, NJ | 2,049 | 56 | 391 | 447 |
| Ocean Grove, NJ | 3,151 | 57 | 400 | 458 |
| Highlands, NJ | 4,746 | 172 | 258 | 430 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| West Elmira, NY | 4,745 | 400 | 1,606 | 2,007 |
| Telford, PA | 4,747 | 152 | 804 | 956 |
| Guerneville, CA | 4,747 | 321 | 1,503 | 1,824 |
| Columbia, KY | 4,748 | 100 | 260 | 360 |
| Dallas, NC | 4,744 | 214 | 1,890 | 2,103 |
| Highlands, NJ | 4,746 | 172 | 258 | 430 |
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