| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Highlands/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 613 | 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 | 5 | n/a | 117.9 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 118 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 10 | n/a | 235.8 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 259.4 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 495 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Highlands is 71.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 5 violent crimes reported in Highlands, equivalent to 118 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 67.2%. Additionally, Highlands recorded 21 property crimes, amounting to 495 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 71.9%.
Highlands proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 613, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions Highlands as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.
Highlands has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 118 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Highlands ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Highlands experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
In 1991, property crime rates in the United States soared to over 5,140 crimes per 100,000 people. In the years since, the U.S. property crime rate has continued to decline with the most recent year reporting only 1760 property crimes. In Highlands, the property crime rate was even less than the national average with a rate of 495, cementing it as one of the safest places to live with regards to property crime.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Highlands residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 5 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 60% 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, 40% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about 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 71% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.07 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.06 daily property crimes) in Highlands.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Highlands has increased by 4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Highlands, 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 increased by 66.7%, while property crime has increased by 4.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Highlands is a safe place to live.
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.
Highlands has a population density of 6483.1 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Highlands crime rates.
In Highlands, the cost of living is 32.73% 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.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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 | 9,033 | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| Interlaken, NJ | 763 | 0 | 123 | 123 |
| Fair Haven, NJ | 6,065 | 16 | 181 | 198 |
| Navesink, NJ | 1,364 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| Monmouth Beach, NJ | 3,297 | 31 | 218 | 249 |
| Atlantic Beach, NY | 1,380 | 53 | 241 | 295 |
| East Atlantic Beach, NY | 1,908 | 53 | 241 | 295 |
| Highlands, NJ | 4,893 | 118 | 495 | 613 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mystic, CT | 4,893 | 37 | 370 | 407 |
| Ellisburg, NJ | 4,891 | 173 | 1,135 | 1,308 |
| Crystal Springs, MS | 4,895 | 152 | 987 | 1,139 |
| Goddard, KS | 4,896 | 101 | 1,048 | 1,150 |
| Madisonville, TX | 4,890 | 279 | 665 | 943 |
| Highlands, NJ | 4,893 | 118 | 495 | 613 |
Here are the best places to live in New Jersey
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in New Jersey
Safest Cities In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in New Jersey