Living in Highlands, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Highlands · Census data 2020–2024
Highlands has 1,074 residents with a median age of 62.7. The median household income is $71,509 (about the same as the North Carolina median), the median home value is $700,900, the median rent is $650/month.
Highlands is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Highlands at a glance
- Population
- 1,074
- Median age
- 62.7State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $71,509State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $700,900State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $650/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 67.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 57.8%
- Average commute
- 15 min
Is Highlands a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 15 minutes; unemployment of 4.3%; a poverty rate of 7.9%.
Cons: Median household income about the same as the North Carolina median; home values 143% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Highlands
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Highlands the median home value is $700,900, 111% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $650 per month, which is 18.2% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,939 a month in housing costs.
Highlands median household income
The median household income in Highlands is $71,509 and the income per person is $63,661. 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Highlands: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,454
- Owner-occupied
- 67.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 32.8%
- Vacant
- 73.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1981
- Average household size
- 1.63
73.8% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Highlands has many vacation and second homes.
Highlands demographics
- Population
- 1,074
- Median age
- 62.7
- Under 18
- 6.7%
- 65 and older
- 46.9%
- Households
- 643
- Foreign-born
- 6.8%
- Veterans
- 7.5%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Highlands ›
Education in Highlands
57.8% of adults 25 and older in Highlands have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 20.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Highlands
- Unemployment rate
- 4.3%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 15 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 23.7%
- Drive alone
- 43.6%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 25.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 91.8%
Highlands vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlands | 1,074 | $71,509 | $700,900 | $650 |
| Cashiers | 683 | $73,750 | $346,200 | $1,341 |
| Dillard | 326 | $44,643 | $208,800 | $950 |
| Franklin | 4,268 | $47,888 | $195,000 | $725 |
| Mountain City | 1,004 | $46,250 | $153,400 | $1,102 |
| Forest Hills | 329 | $90,313 | — | $1,208 |
| Clayton | 2,018 | $57,083 | $249,600 | $814 |
| Salem | 177 | $62,143 | $167,500 | $500 |
| Cullowhee | 7,973 | $35,929 | $382,300 | $869 |
More for people moving to Highlands
Highlands ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Highlands: FAQ
What is the median household income in Highlands, NC?
The median household income in Highlands is $71,509, about the same as the North Carolina median of $72,388 (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 $700,900, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Highlands?
The median gross rent in Highlands is $650 per month, about 18.2% of household income.
Is Highlands, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 15 minutes; unemployment of 4.3%; a poverty rate of 7.9%. Minuses: median household income about the same as the North Carolina median; home values 143% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Highlands?
The median age in Highlands is 62.7 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Highlands?
The average commute to work in Highlands is 15 minutes; 23.7% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Highlands?
The unemployment rate in Highlands is 4.3% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Highlands?
57.8% 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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