Highlands, NC
Population 1,276 · North Carolina
About Highlands, NC
Highlands is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,276 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,750 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.4 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 $666,300, which is 172% 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 $905, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,528 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (427 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (297 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 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Highlands have an average one-way commute time of 13.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
53.0% 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 9.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 9.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Highlands, NC
Compared to national averages, Highlands has a median household income of $63,750 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $666,300, which is 172% above the national median. Monthly rent at $905 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Highlands's income is 1% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 191% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Highlands, NC?
Highlands offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $905/month, and a well-educated community where 53.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 13.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,750) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $666,300. However, Highlands’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Highlands has a population of 1,276 with a median age of 58.4 years. Compare Highlands with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Highlands
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrowhead Beach | 1,277 | $64,107 | $188,400 | Compare |
| South Henderson | 1,274 | $36,417 | $0 | Compare |
| Denton | 1,271 | $46,061 | $160,400 | Compare |
| Bayboro | 1,282 | $28,125 | $133,400 | Compare |
| Candor | 1,284 | $46,983 | $139,400 | Compare |
| Southmont | 1,293 | $55,000 | $273,300 | Compare |
| Foscoe | 1,257 | $44,367 | $302,500 | Compare |
| Stony Point | 1,301 | $70,846 | $169,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
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, NC?
The population of Highlands, NC is 1,276 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Highlands?
The median household income in Highlands, NC is $63,750 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Highlands?
The median home value in Highlands, NC is $666,300, which is 172% 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, NC is $905, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Highlands?
The unemployment rate in Highlands, NC is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Highlands, NC a good place to live?
Highlands offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,276 and a median age of 58.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Highlands, NC?
53.0% 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, NC: median home value is $666,300 (172% above national), median rent is $905/month, and median household income is $63,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Highlands?
The poverty rate in Highlands, NC is 12.8%, 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 Highlands, NC?
Highlands's population is 9.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 9.6% of residents are foreign-born.