Highland Park, NJ
Population 14,981 · New Jersey
About Highland Park, NJ
Highland Park is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 14,981 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $101,991 per year, which is 36% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Highland Park features a median home value of $463,600, which is 89% 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 $1,881, 62% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,858 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (2,533 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (3,985 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 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Highland Park have an average one-way commute time of 27.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
70.2% 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 4.9% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, and 7.1% Asian residents, with 34.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Highland Park, NJ
Compared to national averages, Highland Park has a median household income of $101,991 (36% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $463,600, which is 89% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,881 is 62% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Highland Park's income is 12% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 1% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Highland Park, NJ?
Highland Park offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $101,991, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 70.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $463,600. However, Highland Park’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Highland Park has a population of 14,981 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare Highland Park with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Highland Park
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metuchen | 14,982 | $157,779 | $565,400 | Compare |
| Williamstown | 14,855 | $87,021 | $255,000 | Compare |
| Cherry Hill Mall | 14,827 | $117,535 | $313,000 | Compare |
| Hammonton | 14,746 | $83,044 | $324,200 | Compare |
| Asbury Park | 15,239 | $71,080 | $508,800 | Compare |
| Ramsey | 14,722 | $164,767 | $665,700 | Compare |
| Phillipsburg | 15,251 | $67,782 | $180,700 | Compare |
| Tenafly | 15,252 | $208,088 | $974,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Jersey
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, NJ?
The population of Highland Park, NJ is 14,981 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Highland Park?
The median household income in Highland Park, NJ is $101,991 per year, which is 36% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Highland Park?
The median home value in Highland Park, NJ is $463,600, which is 89% above 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, NJ is $1,881, which is 62% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Highland Park?
The unemployment rate in Highland Park, NJ is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Highland Park, NJ a good place to live?
Highland Park offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,981 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Highland Park, NJ?
70.2% 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, NJ: median home value is $463,600 (89% above national), median rent is $1,881/month, and median household income is $101,991. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Highland Park?
The poverty rate in Highland Park, NJ is 9.2%, 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 Park, NJ?
Highland Park's population is 4.9% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, 7.1% Asian, and 5.2% two or more races. 34.7% of residents are foreign-born.