Highland Park, IL
Population 30,229 · Illinois
About Highland Park, IL
Highland Park is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 30,229 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $161,875 per year, which is 115% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46 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 Park features a median home value of $594,400, which is 143% above the national median of $244,900. This places Highland Park in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,903, 64% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,372 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (9,847 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (1,914 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Highland Park shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Highland Park have an average one-way commute time of 28.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
76.1% of Highland Park 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 8.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 11.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Highland Park Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Highland Park, IL
Compared to national averages, Highland Park has a median household income of $161,875 (115% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $594,400, which is 143% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,903 is 64% above the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Highland Park's income is 116% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 259% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Highland Park, IL?
Highland Park offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $161,875, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 76.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $594,400. However, Highland Park’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Highland Park has a population of 30,229 with a median age of 46 years. Compare Highland Park with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Highland Park
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niles | 30,262 | $78,563 | $350,900 | Compare |
| Gurnee | 30,486 | $121,410 | $331,100 | Compare |
| Algonquin | 29,904 | $131,753 | $324,000 | Compare |
| North Chicago | 30,772 | $56,815 | $147,800 | Compare |
| Galesburg | 29,653 | $45,213 | $89,800 | Compare |
| Lake in the Hills | 28,853 | $113,491 | $296,400 | Compare |
| Mundelein | 31,632 | $107,608 | $285,600 | Compare |
| Burbank | 28,822 | $83,975 | $258,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Highland Park With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Highland Park
What is the population of Highland Park, IL?
The population of Highland Park, IL is 30,229 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Highland Park?
The median household income in Highland Park, IL is $161,875 per year, which is 115% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Highland Park?
The median home value in Highland Park, IL is $594,400, which is 143% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Highland Park?
The median monthly rent in Highland Park, IL is $1,903, which is 64% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Highland Park?
The unemployment rate in Highland Park, IL is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Highland Park, IL a good place to live?
Highland Park offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 30,229 and a median age of 46, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Highland Park, IL?
76.1% of residents in Highland Park 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 Park?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Highland Park, IL: median home value is $594,400 (143% above national), median rent is $1,903/month, and median household income is $161,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Highland Park?
The poverty rate in Highland Park, IL is 3.3%, 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 Park, IL?
Highland Park's population is 8.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 11.3% of residents are foreign-born.