Highlands, NJ Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 86% of major U.S. cities
Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Highlands Safe?
Yes — Highlands is safe overall
A safe city with below-average crime, though safety varies by neighborhood.
Highlands has a crime rate that is 46% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 573.
100% of Highlands neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety, while 0% have high crime rates.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 573
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
54% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 99
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
45% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Highlands Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
51 | -49% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
51 | -49% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
43 | -57% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
14 | -86% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
49 | -51% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
53 | -47% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
44 | -56% | Low | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Highlands Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Highlands?
Safety varies dramatically across Highlands's 1+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 1Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 1 neighborhoods in Highlands
All Highlands Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water Witch | A- | 188 |
Highlands Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Highlands zip codes.
Highlands Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Highlands, NJ?
Highlands, NJ has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 46% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 573 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 99 chance for property crime. Highlands has lower crime than 86% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Highlands, NJ safe to live in?
Highlands is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of A-. Approximately 100% of the city's 1 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Highlands is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Highlands?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Highlands are Water Witch. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What is the violent crime rate in Highlands?
The estimated violent crime rate in Highlands is 174.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 54% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 573 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 2.6 per 100K (49% below average); aggravated assault at 135.5 per 100K (49% below average); robbery at 31.7 per 100K (57% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Highlands?
The estimated property crime rate in Highlands is 1,010.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 45% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 99 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 132.2 per 100K (51% below average); larceny/theft at 737.7 per 100K (47% below average); vehicle theft at 140.8 per 100K (56% below average).
How does Highlands crime compare to the national average?
Highlands's overall crime rate is 46% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (47% below average), while rape is 86% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Highlands has lower crime than 86% of them.
Is Highlands safe to visit?
Highlands is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 45% below 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 Water Witch.
How does Highlands crime compare to the rest of New Jersey?
New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Highlands's crime rate is 46% below the national average, making it safer the typical New Jersey city.
What type of crime is most common in Highlands?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Highlands, with an estimated rate of 737.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 47% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,011 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (175 per 100K) in Highlands, which is consistent with national trends.