Highland Park, MI Crime Rate & Safety

Highland Park, MI has a crime safety grade of F as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 472% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 47 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 9 chance for property crime. Highland Park has higher crime than 100% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Highland Park has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of F. Approximately 33% of the city's 9 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Palmer Woods is one of the safest areas, while Palmer Park has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Highland Park is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Highland Park are Palmer Woods, Green Acres, Hawthorne Park, Nolan, and Penrose. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Highland Park include Palmer Park, State Fair, Greenfield Park, Grixdale Farms, and Penrose. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Highland Park is 2,132.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 460% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 47 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 25.1 per 100K (403% above average); aggravated assault at 1,706.8 per 100K (536% above average); robbery at 230.7 per 100K (212% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Highland Park is 11,123.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 507% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 9 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 1,585.8 per 100K (488% above average); larceny/theft at 7,728.3 per 100K (451% above average); vehicle theft at 1,809.1 per 100K (467% above average).

Highland Park's overall crime rate is 472% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is assault (536% above average), while robbery is 212% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Highland Park has higher crime than 100% of them.

Visitors to Highland Park should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 507% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Palmer Woods, Green Acres, Hawthorne Park.

Michigan as a whole has crime that is 7% above the national average. Highland Park's crime rate is 472% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Michigan city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Highland Park, with an estimated rate of 7,728.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 451% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (11,123 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (2,133 per 100K) in Highland Park, which is consistent with national trends.