Living in Highlands, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Highlands · Census data 2020–2024
Highlands has 2,450 residents with a median age of 46.3. The median household income is $250,001 (152% higher than the California median), the median home value is $2,000,001, the median rent is $3,501/month.
Highlands at a glance
- Population
- 2,450
- Median age
- 46.3State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $250,001State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $2,000,001State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $3,501/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 84.7%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 79.6%
- Average commute
- 24 min
Is Highlands a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 152% higher than the California median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 4.7%; a poverty rate of 3.9%.
Cons: Home values 172% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in July to October.
Cost of living in Highlands
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Highlands the median home value is $2,000,001, 501% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $3,501 per month, which is 19.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
Highlands median household income
The median household income in Highlands is $250,001 and the income per person is $134,770. 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Highlands: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 872
- Owner-occupied
- 84.7%
- Renter-occupied
- 15.3%
- Vacant
- 6.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1959
- Average household size
- 2.96
Highlands demographics
- Population
- 2,450
- Median age
- 46.3
- Under 18
- 21.6%
- 65 and older
- 20.4%
- Households
- 815
- Foreign-born
- 24.4%
- Veterans
- 4.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Highlands ›
Education in Highlands
79.6% of adults 25 and older in Highlands have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 43.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Highlands
- Unemployment rate
- 4.7%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 24 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 35.8%
- Drive alone
- 47.6%
- Public transit
- 0.4%
- Walk to work
- 8%
- Homes with broadband
- 99.4%
Highlands vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlands | 2,450 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Baywood Park | 1,580 | $217,206 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Hillsborough | 11,099 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Belmont | 27,337 | $205,297 | $2,000,001 | $2,875 |
| San Mateo | 103,105 | $153,504 | $1,618,700 | $3,077 |
| San Carlos | 29,614 | $237,470 | $2,000,001 | $2,854 |
| Burlingame | 30,525 | $174,000 | $2,000,001 | $2,785 |
| Emerald Lake Hills | 4,235 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Foster City | 32,792 | $199,143 | $1,838,200 | $3,501 |
More for people moving to Highlands
Highlands ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Highlands: FAQ
What is the median household income in Highlands, CA?
The median household income in Highlands is $250,001, 152% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Highlands?
The median home value in Highlands is $2,000,001, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Highlands?
The median gross rent in Highlands is $3,501 per month, about 19.7% of household income.
Is Highlands, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 152% higher than the California median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 4.7%; a poverty rate of 3.9%. Minuses: home values 172% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Highlands?
The median age in Highlands is 46.3 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Highlands?
The average commute to work in Highlands is 24 minutes; 35.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Highlands?
The unemployment rate in Highlands is 4.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Highlands?
79.6% of adults in Highlands have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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