Highlands, NJ
Population 4,575 · New Jersey
About Highlands, NJ
Highlands is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 4,575 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $90,082 per year, which is 20% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.3 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 $394,800, which is 61% 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 $1,848, 59% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,996 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (1,673 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (943 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Highlands shows an unemployment rate of 9.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Highlands have an average one-way commute time of 39.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
53.7% 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 0.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, and 3.6% Asian residents, with 14.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Highlands, NJ
Compared to national averages, Highlands has a median household income of $90,082 (20% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $394,800, which is 61% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,848 is 59% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Highlands's income is 22% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 16% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Highlands, NJ?
Highlands offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $90,082, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 53.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $394,800. However, Highlands’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Highlands has a population of 4,575 with a median age of 49.3 years. Compare Highlands with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Highlands
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullica Hill | 4,561 | $133,750 | $427,500 | Compare |
| Neptune City | 4,607 | $82,872 | $383,600 | Compare |
| Blackwood | 4,615 | $81,154 | $231,000 | Compare |
| Mountain Lakes | 4,535 | $250,001 | $915,100 | Compare |
| Panther Valley | 4,622 | $128,484 | $359,800 | Compare |
| Mount Ephraim | 4,648 | $95,137 | $223,800 | Compare |
| Buena | 4,500 | $78,393 | $249,100 | Compare |
| Landing | 4,499 | $125,407 | $382,300 | 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 Highlands With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Highlands
What is the population of Highlands, NJ?
The population of Highlands, NJ is 4,575 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Highlands?
The median household income in Highlands, NJ is $90,082 per year, which is 20% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Highlands?
The median home value in Highlands, NJ is $394,800, which is 61% 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, NJ is $1,848, which is 59% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Highlands?
The unemployment rate in Highlands, NJ is 9.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Highlands, NJ a good place to live?
Highlands offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,575 and a median age of 49.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Highlands, NJ?
53.7% 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, NJ: median home value is $394,800 (61% above national), median rent is $1,848/month, and median household income is $90,082. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Highlands?
The poverty rate in Highlands, NJ is 7.6%, 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, NJ?
Highlands's population is 0.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, 3.6% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 14.8% of residents are foreign-born.