Highland Park, MI
Population 8,798 · Michigan
About Highland Park, MI
Highland Park is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 8,798 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $27,582 per year, which is 63% below 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 Highland Park features a median home value of $75,800, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Highland Park one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $691, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,693 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (1,733 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (2,085 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Highland Park shows an unemployment rate of 17.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 41.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Highland Park have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.0% of Highland Park residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Highland Park Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Highland Park, MI
Compared to national averages, Highland Park has a median household income of $27,582 (63% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $75,800, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $691 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Highland Park's income is 58% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 59% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Highland Park, MI?
Highland Park offers affordable housing with a median home value of $75,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $691/month, and short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($27,582) that falls below the national average. However, Highland Park’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Highland Park has a population of 8,798 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare Highland Park with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Highland Park
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville | 8,897 | $55,477 | $160,600 | Compare |
| Tecumseh | 8,655 | $64,086 | $193,600 | Compare |
| Westwood | 8,968 | $62,408 | $187,300 | Compare |
| Saline | 8,976 | $90,662 | $310,600 | Compare |
| Benton Harbor | 9,023 | $29,652 | $75,500 | Compare |
| Lapeer | 9,053 | $53,038 | $165,300 | Compare |
| Beecher | 8,507 | $35,582 | $48,400 | Compare |
| Temperance | 8,495 | $76,069 | $230,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
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, MI?
The population of Highland Park, MI is 8,798 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Highland Park?
The median household income in Highland Park, MI is $27,582 per year, which is 63% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Highland Park?
The median home value in Highland Park, MI is $75,800, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Highland Park?
The median monthly rent in Highland Park, MI is $691, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Highland Park?
The unemployment rate in Highland Park, MI is 17.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Highland Park, MI a good place to live?
Highland Park offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,798 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Highland Park, MI?
17.0% of residents in Highland Park 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 Park?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Highland Park, MI: median home value is $75,800 (69% below national), median rent is $691/month, and median household income is $27,582. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Highland Park?
The poverty rate in Highland Park, MI is 41.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Highland Park, MI?
Highland Park's population is 0.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 85.8% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.