Highlands, CA
Population 2,535 · California
About Highlands, CA
Highlands is a small town located in California with a population of 2,535 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.1 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 Highlands features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Highlands in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 866 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (681 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (151 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Highlands shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Highlands have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
75.8% of Highlands 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 3.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 17.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Highlands Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Highlands, CA
Compared to national averages, Highlands has a median household income of $250,001 (233% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Highlands's income is 156% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Highlands, CA?
Highlands offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 75.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Highlands’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Highlands has a population of 2,535 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare Highlands with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Highlands
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Taft | 2,534 | $41,875 | $155,700 | Compare |
| Bayview CDP (Contra Costa County), California | 2,533 | $132,356 | $669,700 | Compare |
| Pine Canyon | 2,538 | $106,284 | $372,400 | Compare |
| Weldon | 2,525 | $27,353 | $153,300 | Compare |
| China Lake Acres | 2,523 | $67,438 | $168,100 | Compare |
| La Selva Beach | 2,519 | $159,094 | $1,195,100 | Compare |
| Cayucos | 2,517 | $82,778 | $947,000 | Compare |
| Nice | 2,517 | $70,274 | $173,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Highlands With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Highlands
What is the population of Highlands, CA?
The population of Highlands, CA is 2,535 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Highlands?
The median household income in Highlands, CA is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Highlands?
The median home value in Highlands, CA is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Highlands?
The median monthly rent in Highlands, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Highlands?
The unemployment rate in Highlands, CA is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Highlands, CA a good place to live?
Highlands offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,535 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Highlands, CA?
75.8% of residents in Highlands 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 Highlands?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Highlands, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $250,001. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Highlands?
The poverty rate in Highlands, CA is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Highlands, CA?
Highlands's population is 3.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 17.8% of residents are foreign-born.