Highland Lakes, AL
Population 5,673 · Alabama
About Highland Lakes, AL
Highland Lakes is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 5,673 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $169,833 per year, which is 126% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.5 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 Lakes features a median home value of $562,600, which is 130% above the national median of $244,900. This places Highland Lakes in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,219 total housing units, 99% are owner-occupied (2,014 units) and 1% are renter-occupied (18 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Highland Lakes shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Highland Lakes have an average one-way commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
72.4% of Highland Lakes residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Highland Lakes Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Highland Lakes, AL
Compared to national averages, Highland Lakes has a median household income of $169,833 (126% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $562,600, which is 130% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Highland Lakes's income is 193% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 253% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Highland Lakes, AL?
Highland Lakes offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $169,833, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 72.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $562,600. However, Highland Lakes’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Highland Lakes has a population of 5,673 with a median age of 45.5 years. Compare Highland Lakes with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Highland Lakes
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holtville | 5,700 | $73,250 | $247,500 | Compare |
| Rainsville | 5,613 | $64,140 | $207,800 | Compare |
| Margaret | 5,538 | $97,075 | $224,700 | Compare |
| Attalla | 5,829 | $55,429 | $120,400 | Compare |
| Monroeville | 5,875 | $31,629 | $115,800 | Compare |
| Grayson Valley | 5,882 | $60,354 | $128,800 | Compare |
| Smiths Station | 5,443 | $57,410 | $184,400 | Compare |
| Semmes | 5,404 | $66,458 | $211,100 | 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 Lakes With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Highland Lakes
What is the population of Highland Lakes, AL?
The population of Highland Lakes, AL is 5,673 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Highland Lakes?
The median household income in Highland Lakes, AL is $169,833 per year, which is 126% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Highland Lakes?
The median home value in Highland Lakes, AL is $562,600, which is 130% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Highland Lakes?
The median monthly rent in Highland Lakes, AL is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Highland Lakes?
The unemployment rate in Highland Lakes, AL is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Highland Lakes, AL a good place to live?
Highland Lakes offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,673 and a median age of 45.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Highland Lakes, AL?
72.4% of residents in Highland Lakes aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Highland Lakes?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Highland Lakes, AL: median home value is $562,600 (130% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $169,833. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Highland Lakes?
The poverty rate in Highland Lakes, AL is 4.2%, 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 Lakes, AL?
Highland Lakes's population is 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 8.7% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.