Highlands, NC
Population 1,276 · North Carolina
About Highlands, NC
Highlands is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 1,276 residents. The median household income is $63,750 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Highlands is 58.4 years.
Housing in Highlands has a median home value of $666,300 and median monthly rent of $905. Of the 2,528 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 427 owner-occupied and 297 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Highlands is 3.7% and the poverty rate is 12.8%. 53.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 13.8 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Highlands
What is the population of Highlands, NC?
The population of Highlands, NC is 1,276 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Highlands?
The median household income in Highlands, NC is $63,750 per year.
What is the median home value in Highlands?
The median home value in Highlands, NC is $666,300.
What is the average rent in Highlands?
The median monthly rent in Highlands, NC is $905.
What is the unemployment rate in Highlands?
The unemployment rate in Highlands, NC is 3.7%.