Highland Neighborhood, Gastonia

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Gastonia

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 168 / 300 High
Violent Crime 110
10% above national avg
Property Crime 148
48% above national avg
City Ranking
25%
safer than other
Gastonia neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Gastonia

Is Highland Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Highland in Gastonia, NC has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 168, which is 68% above the national average of 100. Highland is safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Gastonia.

Compared to the Gastonia average (crime index 160), Highland is 8% higher in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 175, 75% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 0). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk
Rape · Index 175 (75% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 0 (100% below avg)

Highland Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Gastonia city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
163 +63% High
Assault
0 -100% Low
Robbery
103 +3% Moderate
Rape
175 +75% High
Property Crime
Burglary
122 +22% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
148 +48% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
173 +73% High

How Highland Compares

Crime index by category: Highland vs Gastonia average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Highland Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Highland Demographics & Context

Population
4,577
Median Income
$28,013
Home Value
$131,507
Median Age
40
Pop. Density
2,436/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 6.1%
Graduate Degree 1.5%

Housing

32%
68%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 17.7%
Black 76.8%
Hispanic 3.2%
Asian 0.2%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Highland, Gastonia?

Highland in Gastonia, NC has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 168, which is 68% above the national average. Compared to the Gastonia average, crime in Highland is 8% higher. Highland is safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Gastonia.

Is Highland a safe neighborhood in Gastonia?

Highland is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Gastonia, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 175), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 0). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Gastonia.

How does Highland compare to the rest of Gastonia?

Highland's overall crime index is 168, compared to the Gastonia average of 160. This means crime in Highland is 8% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 110, and for property crime it is 148. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in Highland?

The most prevalent crime type in Highland is Rape, with a crime index of 175 (75% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near Highland?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Downtown Gastonia, Loray Village and Oakland. These areas are close to Highland and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Highland?

Highland has a population of approximately 4,577. The median household income is $28,013. The median home value is $131,507. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Highland crime compare to the national average?

Highland's overall crime rate is 68% above the national average (index 168 vs 100). Within Gastonia, it is safer than 25% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.