Highland Lake, AL
Population 516 · Alabama
About Highland Lake, AL
Highland Lake is a small community located in Alabama with a population of 516 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,625 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 60 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Highland Lake features a median home value of $268,500, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Highland Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $950, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 323 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (219 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (27 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Highland Lake shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Highland Lake have an average one-way commute time of 41.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
30.4% of Highland Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Highland Lake, AL
Compared to national averages, Highland Lake has a median household income of $65,625 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $268,500, which is 10% above the national median. Monthly rent at $950 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Highland Lake's income is 13% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 68% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Highland Lake, AL?
Highland Lake offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $950/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,625) that falls below the national average. However, Highland Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Highland Lake has a population of 516 with a median age of 60 years. Compare Highland Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Highland Lake
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grimes | 515 | $32,500 | $80,700 | Compare |
| Perdido | 515 | $36,983 | $214,800 | Compare |
| Arley | 518 | $48,036 | $86,000 | Compare |
| Hackneyville | 519 | $72,045 | $130,200 | Compare |
| Ranburne | 524 | $73,750 | $229,800 | Compare |
| Napier Field | 505 | $43,393 | $81,900 | Compare |
| Silas | 505 | $66,591 | $87,100 | Compare |
| West Jefferson | 527 | $36,667 | $136,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Highland Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Highland Lake
What is the population of Highland Lake, AL?
The population of Highland Lake, AL is 516 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Highland Lake?
The median household income in Highland Lake, AL is $65,625 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Highland Lake?
The median home value in Highland Lake, AL is $268,500, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Highland Lake?
The median monthly rent in Highland Lake, AL is $950, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Highland Lake?
The unemployment rate in Highland Lake, AL is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Highland Lake, AL a good place to live?
Highland Lake offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 516 and a median age of 60, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Highland Lake, AL?
30.4% of residents in Highland Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Highland Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Highland Lake, AL: median home value is $268,500 (10% above national), median rent is $950/month, and median household income is $65,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Highland Lake?
The poverty rate in Highland Lake, AL is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Highland Lake, AL?
Highland Lake's population is 0.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.