| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hightstown/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 45 | n/a (estimate) | 754 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 100.5 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 101 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 67.0 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 34 | n/a | 569.5 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 16.8 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 39 | n/a (estimate) | 653 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
The Hightstown crime rates are 64.4% 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 6 violent crimes in Hightstown (101 per 100,000 people), which is 72% lower than the national average and there were a total of 39 property crimes (653 per 100,000 residents) which is 62.9% lower than average.
With a crime rate of 754, significantly below the national average of 2119, Hightstown stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
With only 101 incidents per 100,000 people, Hightstown 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, Hightstown has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.
In the latest reported crime year, Hightstown recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Hightstown records a property crime rate of 653 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1760. This underscores Hightstown as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.
Determining whether Hightstown is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Hightstown has an overall crime rate that is 64% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.12 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.11 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Hightstown as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Hightstown. 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 Hightstown has increased by 21.6%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 40%, while property crime has increased by 44.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Hightstown.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Hightstown crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Hightstown has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
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 Hightstown, the cost of living is 19.76% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Hightstown, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.43 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Hightstown | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 19 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 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 |
| South River, NJ | 16,447 | 49 | 99 | 148 |
| Princeton Junction, NJ | 2,052 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| Ten Mile Run, NJ | 1,864 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| Cranbury, NJ | 2,281 | 34 | 224 | 258 |
| Hopewell, NJ | 1,896 | 39 | 253 | 292 |
| Six Mile Run, NJ | 3,566 | 42 | 272 | 313 |
| Plainsboro Center, NJ | 2,817 | 46 | 301 | 347 |
| Hightstown, NJ | 5,441 | 101 | 653 | 754 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Montgomery, GA | 5,441 | 106 | 545 | 651 |
| Williamston, NC | 5,441 | 1,161 | 6,408 | 7,569 |
| Williamsburg, KY | 5,440 | 156 | 508 | 664 |
| Williams, CA | 5,439 | 620 | 886 | 1,507 |
| Tellico Village, TN | 5,438 | 193 | 661 | 853 |
| Hightstown, NJ | 5,441 | 101 | 653 | 754 |
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