Total population

2,482

-0.4 % year-over-year change

Median household income

$122,000/yr

Private dwellings

927

Highlands population

How many people live in Highlands

Highlands is home to 2,482 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 50.2% identify as male and 49.8% as female.

Total population

2,482

-0.4% year-over-year change

Population density

65.3/km2

Gender ratio

Male

50.2%

1,245

Female

49.8%

1,235

	Value	Percent
Male	1,245	50.2%
Female	1,235	49.8%

A larger population often brings more rental variety and a busier pace of life. The gender breakdown, namely the ratio of men to women in the area, offers clues about the community’s vibe and social landscape.

Age demographics

The average age in Highlands is 43.2. Children under 15 make up 15.7% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 10.1%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.8% are 25 to 34, 14.5% are 35 to 44, and 14.7% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 18.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 18.1%.

Average age

43.2

Age breakdown

Under 15: 15.7%
15 to 24: 10.1%
25 to 34: 8.8%
35 to 44: 14.5%
45 to 54: 14.7%
55 to 64: 18.1%
Over 65: 18.1%

	Value	Percent
Under 15	390	15.7%
15 to 24	250	10.1%
25 to 34	220	8.8%
35 to 44	360	14.5%
45 to 54	365	14.7%
55 to 64	450	18.1%
Over 65	450	18.1%

Age distribution gives you a glimpse into who makes up the area. Younger communities might feel more energetic or student-friendly, while older ones tend to be calmer and more settled. A mix of age groups usually means a balance of parks, schools, healthcare, and other services for all walks of life.

Residence status

In Highlands, 87.8% of residents were born in Canada, while 11.6% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status

Non-immigrants: 87.8%
Immigrants: 11.6%
Non-permanent residents: 0%

	Value	Percent
Non-immigrants	2,345	87.8%
Immigrants	310	11.6%

Minority breakdown

Minorities: 6.4%
Non-minorities: 93.6%

	Value	Percent
Minorities	170	6.4%
Non-minorities	2,500	93.6%

Knowing how many people in the area are newcomers, temporary residents, or Canadian-born can give you a feel for how established or internationally connected a community is. It may also hint at the kind of services, food, and cultural touchpoints you’ll find nearby.

Languages used in Highlands

English: 98.8%
French: 1.2%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0%

	Value	Percent
English	2,450	98.8%
French	30	1.2%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 98.8% of people in Highlands speak English as their primary language, 1.2% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and use other languages.

Language use shapes everything from signage to services. Whether you're looking for bilingual support or just curious about the local vibe, these stats give a quick peek at how people connect day-to-day.

Households in Highlands

A peek inside Highlands households

Highlands has 1,000 households, with an average of 2.7 people living in each. One-person households make up 16.6% of all homes, while 40.3% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 14.9%, and homes with four or more people account for 28.2% of the total.

Households stats

Total households

1,000

Average people per household

2.7

1 person: 16.6%
2 persons: 40.3%
3 persons: 14.9%
4 persons: 17.7%
5 or more persons: 10.5%

	Value	Percent
1 person	150	16.6%
2 persons	365	40.3%
3 persons	135	14.9%
4 persons	160	17.7%
5 or more persons	95	10.5%

Household size can reveal a lot about how people live in the area. More one- and two-person homes might hint at a mix of young professionals or empty nesters, while larger households often reflect families or multi-generational setups. It’s a good indicator of the kinds of rentals and living spaces you'll find nearby.

Housing in Highlands

The housing landscape of Highlands

Highlands has a total of 927 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Highlands offers a variety of home sizes: 10% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 51% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 39.4% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings

927

Housing types

Single-detached homes: 95.6%
Attached homes: 4.4%
Apartments: 0%
Movable homes: 0%

	Value	Percent
Single-detached homes	860	95.6%
Attached homes	40	4.4%

Housing size

1 or no bedrooms: 10%
2 or 3 bedrooms: 51%
4 or more bedrooms: 39.4%

	Value	Percent
1 or no bedrooms	95	10%
2 or 3 bedrooms	505	51%
4 or more bedrooms	390	39.4%

Homes built since 2011

130

The age of buildings in Highlands

Another 6% went up in the 1960s, 15.1% in the 1970s, and 20.1% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 25.1% of homes were added, and 17.6% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade

	Value	Percent
Between 1946 and 1960	30	3%
Between 1961 and 1970	60	6%
Between 1971 and 1980	150	15.1%
Between 1981 and 1990	200	20.1%
Between 1991 and 2000	250	25.1%
Between 2001 and 2010	175	17.6%
After 2011	130	13.1%

As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Highlands occupancy rates

In Highlands, there are 906 occupied private dwellings, of which 88.9% are owner-occupied and 11.1% are rented. Meanwhile, 21 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings

906

Occupancy breakdown

Rented households: 11.1%
Owned households: 88.9%

	Value	Percent
Rented households	110	11.1%
Owned households	885	88.9%

Unoccupied dwellings

Understanding whether homes are owned or rented gives insight into the housing market’s stability and flexibility. High ownership rates may point to longer-term residents and more stable neighbourhoods, while a greater share of rentals can indicate mobility, availability, or housing diversity. Vacancy levels can also hint at supply-and-demand dynamics for renters.

Shelter costs

In Highlands, homeowners pay a median of $1,570 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $1,000. About 82.7% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 17.3% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings

$1,570

Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings

$1,000

Income spent on housing

<30% on shelter: 82.7%
≥30% on shelter: 17.3%

	Value	Percent
<30% on shelter	815	82.7%
≥30% on shelter	170	17.3%

Shelter cost includes all monthly expenses tied to housing—like rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and additional fees. Owners usually cover a wider range of costs, while renters typically just pay rent plus basic services. Comparing these numbers gives a clearer view of what living in the area actually costs, and whether households are stretched beyond the 30% affordability benchmark.

Education in Highlands

Highlands education at a glance

In Highlands, educational attainment varies across the community. About 14.6% of residents have no formal diploma, while 28.1% have completed high school and 11.7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 18.1% have graduated from college. Finally, 3.5% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 23.9% hold a university degree.

Education level

	Value	Percent
No diploma	330	14.6%
High school diploma	635	28.1%
Apprenticeship diploma	265	11.7%
College diploma	410	18.1%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma)	80	3.5%
University degree	540	23.9%

Education levels give a snapshot of the local talent pool and job readiness. A strong share of college and university graduates can mean better access to skilled jobs, while trades and apprenticeship diplomas often support hands-on industries. For renters, these stats help paint a picture of the economic opportunities and workforce makeup in the area.

Income in Highlands

How much people earn in Highlands

In Highlands, the median household income sits at $122,000, while the median after-tax household income is $105,000.

Median household income

$122,000/year

Median after-tax household income

$105,000/year

Household income—especially after tax—offers one of the clearest indicators of how affordable a place might feel. It also helps renters understand earning power in the area, whether they're budgeting for rent or comparing communities with similar price tags. Local income trends can reveal whether the economy is growing, steady, or facing challenges.

Highlands income by age

Young adults in Highlands between 15 and 24 have a median income of $14,900, often reflecting part-time or early career work. For those aged 25 to 34, when many are advancing in their jobs, the figure rises to $49,200, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $65,500. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $66,000, followed by $58,400 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $40,400.

Income breakdown by age

	Value
15 - 24	14,900
25 - 34	49,200
35 - 44	65,500
45 - 54	66,000
55 - 64	58,400
Over 65	40,400

Employment in Highlands

Workforce and job sectors in Highlands

In Highlands, 1,440 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, trades and transport, business, finance and administration, and sales and service employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force

1,440

Unemployment rate

4.9%

Major job markets

	Value	Percent
Management	10	0.7%
Business, finance and administration	240	16.6%
Natural and applied sciences	120	8.3%
Health	135	9.3%
Education, law, community and government services	165	11.4%
Art, culture, recreation and sport	80	5.5%
Sales and service	235	16.2%
Trades and transport	390	26.9%
Natural resources and agriculture	50	3.4%
Manufacturing and utilities	25	1.7%

Knowing what kinds of jobs dominate the area can help you understand local culture, income levels, and day-to-day rhythms. When looking for a community that suits your lifestyle, these labour stats offer helpful clues.

Transportation in Highlands

How people get around in Highlands

In Highlands, the average commute is 24 minutes. The remaining 3.6% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time

24 min

Travel time

Less than 15 minutes: 16.2%
15 to 29 minutes: 43.2%
30 to 44 minutes: 34.4%
45 to 59 minutes: 5.2%
More than 60 minutes: 1%

	Value	Percent
Less than 15 minutes	155	16.2%
15 to 29 minutes	415	43.2%
30 to 44 minutes	330	34.4%
45 to 59 minutes	50	5.2%
More than 60 minutes	10	1%

Means of transportation

	Value	Percent
By car, truck or van	885	92.2%
By bicycle/by walking	40	4.2%
By other methods	35	3.6%

Commute trends hint at both the layout and vibe of a place. If most people drive or take transit, the area may be more spread out. Shorter commutes suggest convenient access to jobs, while longer ones may confirm the area’s low-density layout.

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FAQs about Highlands demographics

What is the current total population in Highlands?

Highlands has a population of 2,482, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a -0.4% change compared to the previous year.

What is the population density of Highlands?

Highlands has a population density of 65.3 people per square kilometre.

What is the gender distribution in Highlands?

Highlands has the following gender distribution:

50.2% males (1,245 residents)
49.8% females (1,235 residents)

What is the age distribution of Highlands residents?

The age distribution of Highlands residents is as follows:

Under 15: 15.7% (390 residents)
15-24: 10.1% (250 residents)
25-34: 8.8% (220 residents)
35-44: 14.5% (360 residents)
45-54: 14.7% (365 residents)
55-64: 18.1% (450 residents)
Over 64: 18.1% (450 residents)

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Highlands?

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Highlands:

87.8% non-immigrants (2,345 residents)
11.6% immigrants (310 residents)
0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)

What are the primary languages spoken in Highlands?

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Highlands:

English: 98.8%
French: 1.2%
English and French: 0%
Neither English nor French: 0%

What is the typical household size in Highlands?

The typical household size in Highlands is 2.7 people.

What is the median household income in Highlands?

The median household income in Highlands is $122,000 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.

What is the educational attainment level of Highlands residents?

The educational attainment breakdown in Highlands is as follows:

No diploma: 14.6% (330 residents)
High school diploma: 28.1% (635 residents)
Apprenticeship diploma: 11.7% (265 residents)
College diploma: 18.1% (410 residents)
University diploma (below bachelor): 3.5% (80 residents)
University degree: 23.9% (540 residents)

What are the most common occupations in Highlands?

The most common occupations in Highlands fall within the sectors listed below:

Art, culture, recreation and sport: 5.5%
Business, finance and administration: 16.6%
Education, law, community and government services: 11.4%
Health: 9.3%
Management: 0.7%
Manufacturing and utilities: 1.7%
Natural and applied sciences: 8.3%
Natural resources and agriculture: 3.4%
Sales and service: 16.2%
Trades and transport: 26.9%

Data source & methodology

Demographic data shown in this section was gathered from the latest census data from Statistics Canada (2021), with the total population figure reflecting the official 2024 population estimate.
Census aggregated data represented here is extracted from Data Tables, by topic, at the census subdivision area level.
Differences may be found between the totals of the various categories due to multiple variables.
The information is updated as soon as new data is made available. No representation, guarantee or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.

Page last updated: September 2025

Highlands, Vancouver Island, BC demographics:population, income, and more