Highland Springs, VA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Highland Springs, VA Crime

Is Highland Springs safe?

Highland Springs carries an overall crime grade of D-, which places it in the lower tier of safety rankings among Virginia communities. With a population of approximately 15,000 and a poverty rate of 16% — notably higher than the national average of around 12% — the area faces socioeconomic pressures that correlate with elevated crime risk. Property crimes represent the most common incident type in Highland Springs, and residents in higher-density pockets of the community (the city averages 726 people per square mile) tend to experience more frequent incidents than those in quieter, lower-density sections. That said, community-driven initiatives and active engagement with the Henrico County Police Department continue to work toward improving these numbers. Practicing standard safety measures — locking vehicles, securing doors, and staying aware of surroundings — remains strongly advisable.

What is the crime rate in Highland Springs?

Highland Springs's overall crime grade of D- signals that crime rates here are meaningfully higher than national and state benchmarks. The community's 16% poverty rate and 5.2% unemployment rate are both contributing economic factors that research consistently links to higher crime prevalence. Property crimes — including burglary, vehicle theft, and larceny — account for the largest share of reported incidents, which is consistent with suburban communities at this income level (median household income of $47,404). Violent crimes, while less frequent than property crimes, are not negligible and occur at rates that warrant caution. Comparing Highland Springs to neighboring Richmond metro communities, its D- grade indicates it sits among the more challenging areas in the region rather than among the safer suburban alternatives.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Highland Springs?

Within Highland Springs, safety levels vary by block and sub-neighborhood. Areas closer to the Highland Springs Recreation Center and corridors adjacent to well-maintained school zones tend to benefit from higher foot traffic, better street lighting, and more active neighborhood watch participation — all factors associated with lower property crime rates. Conversely, neighborhoods with higher concentrations of vacant properties or lower median home values (the city-wide median sits at $148,704) tend to show up more frequently on crime incident maps. The D- overall grade reflects the community as a whole; micro-level differences mean that some residential streets experience significantly fewer incidents than the aggregate data suggests. Using the interactive crime map to filter by incident type and time frame will give you the most granular, up-to-date picture of which blocks are performing better than the city average.

Is Highland Springs a good place to live?

Highland Springs offers genuine affordability — a median home value of $148,704 and median rent of $1,101 make it one of the more accessible entry points into the Richmond metro housing market. The median household income of $47,404 means residents typically spend a manageable share of income on housing costs. However, the D- crime grade is an important counterweight to those financial advantages: higher crime rates can affect homeowner insurance premiums, property value appreciation, and day-to-day quality of life. The 16% poverty rate and 5.2% unemployment rate also indicate that a meaningful portion of the community faces economic instability. For buyers and renters weighing affordability against safety, Highland Springs may represent a trade-off that works well for those with strong community ties, proximity to employment in Richmond, or access to specific neighborhood pockets that outperform the city-wide average. Reviewing the crime map regularly and connecting with local neighborhood watch groups can help new residents make the most informed decision about which specific area within Highland Springs best fits their needs.

How does Highland Springs compare to other Virginia communities on crime?

Highland Springs's D- overall crime grade places it in roughly the bottom tier of safety rankings when measured against Virginia communities of similar size. Its 16% poverty rate is a key differentiator — communities with poverty rates above 15% statistically record property crime rates 20–30% higher than those below 10%. The unemployment rate of 5.2% also exceeds the Virginia state average, which further correlates with elevated theft and burglary figures. By contrast, many suburban Richmond-area communities with comparable populations but lower poverty rates tend to earn crime grades in the B or C range. Highland Springs's affordability (median home value of $148,704 versus the Virginia median of roughly $330,000) reflects this risk premium. Prospective residents should weigh these comparative metrics carefully and use the Highland Springs crime map alongside statewide data tools to benchmark specific incident categories.