Highlands East, ON demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,830
2.5 % year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,600/yr
Private dwellings
4,430

Highlands East population

How many people live in Highlands East

Highlands East is home to 3,830 residents, based on Statistics Canada's 2024 population estimate. Of these, 52.9% identify as male and 47.1% as female.

Total population
3,830
2.5% year-over-year change
Population density
5.6/km2
Gender ratio
Male
52.9%
2,030
Female
47.1%
1,805
Value Percent
Male 2,030 52.9%
Female 1,805 47.1%
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 East is 52.7. Children under 15 make up 8.6% of the population, while youth and young adults account for 6.7%. Those in their working years are spread across the following age groups: 8.5% are 25 to 34, 6.8% are 35 to 44, and 11.1% are 45 to 54. Adults nearing retirement—aged 55 to 64—represent 25.1% of the population, while seniors 65 and over make up 33.3%.

Average age
52.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.6%
15 to 24
6.7%
25 to 34
8.5%
35 to 44
6.8%
45 to 54
11.1%
55 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
33.3%
Value Percent
Under 15 330 8.6%
15 to 24 255 6.7%
25 to 34 325 8.5%
35 to 44 260 6.8%
45 to 54 425 11.1%
55 to 64 960 25.1%
Over 65 1,275 33.3%
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 East, 92.5% of residents were born in Canada, while 7.5% have settled here from abroad.

Immigration status
Non-immigrants
92.5%
Immigrants
7.5%
Non-permanent residents
0%
Value Percent
Non-immigrants 3,525 92.5%
Immigrants 285 7.5%
Minority breakdown
Minorities
1.3%
Non-minorities
98.7%
Value Percent
Minorities 50 1.3%
Non-minorities 3,760 98.7%
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 East
English
99%
French
0.9%
English and French
0%
Neither English nor French
0.1%
Value Percent
English 3,790 99%
French 35 0.9%
Neither English nor French 5 0.1%

Primary languages spoken

According to the latest Census data, 99% of people in Highlands East speak English as their primary language, 0.9% communicate mainly in French, are bilingual, and 0.1% 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 East

A peek inside Highlands East households

Highlands East has 1,875 households, with an average of 2.0 people living in each. One-person households make up 33.9% of all homes, while 45.9% are shared by two people. Three-person households represent 8.8%, and homes with four or more people account for 11.5% of the total.

Households stats

Total households
1,875
Average people per household
2
1 person
33.9%
2 persons
45.9%
3 persons
8.8%
4 persons
8%
5 or more persons
3.5%
Value Percent
1 person 635 33.9%
2 persons 860 45.9%
3 persons 165 8.8%
4 persons 150 8%
5 or more persons 65 3.5%
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 East

The housing landscape of Highlands East

Highlands East has a total of 4,430 private dwellings. When it comes to space, Highlands East offers a variety of home sizes: 6% of occupied homes have 1 bedroom or less, 74% have 2–3 bedrooms, and 19.7% have 4 or more bedrooms.

Total private dwellings
4,430
Housing types
Single-detached homes
97.1%
Attached homes
2.4%
Apartments
0%
Movable homes
0.5%
Value Percent
Single-detached homes 1,820 97.1%
Attached homes 45 2.4%
Movable homes 10 0.5%
Housing size
1 or no bedrooms
6%
2 or 3 bedrooms
74%
4 or more bedrooms
19.7%
Value Percent
1 or no bedrooms 115 6%
2 or 3 bedrooms 1,395 74%
4 or more bedrooms 370 19.7%
Homes built since 2011
175

The age of buildings in Highlands East

About 5.3% of homes were built before 1945, followed by 19.2% between 1946 and 1960. Another 12.5% went up in the 1960s, 15.7% in the 1970s, and 16% during the 1980s. Between 1991 and 2000, 9.1% of homes were added, and 12.8% were developed between 2001 and 2010.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent
Before 1945 100 5.3%
Between 1946 and 1960 360 19.2%
Between 1961 and 1970 235 12.5%
Between 1971 and 1980 295 15.7%
Between 1981 and 1990 300 16%
Between 1991 and 2000 170 9.1%
Between 2001 and 2010 240 12.8%
After 2011 175 9.3%
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 East occupancy rates

In Highlands East, there are 1,875 occupied private dwellings, of which 88.8% are owner-occupied and 11.2% are rented. Meanwhile, 2,555 dwellings sit vacant.

Occupied dwellings
1,875
Occupancy breakdown
Rented households
11.2%
Owned households
88.8%
Value Percent
Rented households 210 11.2%
Owned households 1,665 88.8%
Unoccupied dwellings
2,555
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 East, homeowners pay a median of $695 per month on shelter costs, while renters spend around $930. About 81.6% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing, while 18.4% exceed that threshold.

Median monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings
$695
Median monthly shelter costs for rented dwellings
$930
Income spent on housing
<30% on shelter
81.6%
≥30% on shelter
18.4%
Value Percent
<30% on shelter 1,510 81.6%
≥30% on shelter 340 18.4%
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 East

Highlands East education at a glance

In Highlands East, educational attainment varies across the community. About 22.8% of residents have no formal diploma, while 33.3% have completed high school and 7% hold an apprenticeship certificate. Meanwhile, 22% have graduated from college. Finally, 2.2% earned a non-bachelor university diploma, and 12.8% hold a university degree.

Education level
Value Percent
No diploma 795 22.8%
High school diploma 1,160 33.3%
Apprenticeship diploma 245 7%
College diploma 765 22%
University diploma (below bachelor diploma) 75 2.2%
University degree 445 12.8%
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 East

How much people earn in Highlands East

In Highlands East, the median household income sits at $63,600, while the median after-tax household income is $57,600.

Median household income
$63,600/year
Median after-tax household income
$57,600/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 East income by age

Young adults in Highlands East between 15 and 24 have a median income of $19,000, 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 $38,400, and by 35 to 44 it reaches $44,400. Among individuals 45 to 54, the median wage is $39,600, followed by $34,800 for those in their pre-retirement years. Finally, residents over 65, many of whom are already retired, typically earn $30,600.

Income breakdown by age
Value
15 - 24 19,000
25 - 34 38,400
35 - 44 44,400
45 - 54 39,600
55 - 64 34,800
Over 65 30,600

Employment in Highlands East

Workforce and job sectors in Highlands East

In Highlands East, 1,410 residents are part of the labour force, with an unemployment rate of 14.9%. The local economy spans a wide range of sectors. Notably, sales and service, trades and transport, and business, finance and administration employ the largest shares of the working population, shaping the city's job market.

Workforce demographics

Labour force
1,410
Unemployment rate
14.9%
Major job markets
Value Percent
Management 25 1.8%
Business, finance and administration 160 11.7%
Natural and applied sciences 65 4.7%
Health 85 6.2%
Education, law, community and government services 150 11%
Art, culture, recreation and sport 60 4.4%
Sales and service 375 27.4%
Trades and transport 350 25.6%
Natural resources and agriculture 40 2.9%
Manufacturing and utilities 60 4.4%
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 East

How people get around in Highlands East

In Highlands East, the average commute is 28 minutes. The remaining 2.8% use other methods, such as scooters or motorcycles.

Average commute time
28 min
Travel time
Less than 15 minutes
20%
15 to 29 minutes
43.3%
30 to 44 minutes
20%
45 to 59 minutes
6.7%
More than 60 minutes
10%
Value Percent
Less than 15 minutes 180 20%
15 to 29 minutes 390 43.3%
30 to 44 minutes 180 20%
45 to 59 minutes 60 6.7%
More than 60 minutes 90 10%
Means of transportation
Value Percent
By car, truck or van 855 96.1%
By bicycle/by walking 10 1.1%
By other methods 25 2.8%
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 East demographics 

What is the current total population in Highlands East?

Highlands East has a population of 3,830, according to Statistics Canada’s official 2024 figure, as published in their Annual Demographic Estimates: Subprovincial Areas report. This represents a +2.5% change compared to the previous year. 

What is the population density of Highlands East?  

Highlands East has a population density of 5.6 people per square kilometre. 

What is the gender distribution in Highlands East?

Highlands East has the following gender distribution:
  • 52.9% males (2,030 residents)  
  • 47.1% females (1,805 residents)

What is the age distribution of Highlands East residents?  

The age distribution of Highlands East residents is as follows: 
  • Under 15: 8.6% (330 residents)   
  • 15-24: 6.7% (255 residents)   
  • 25-34: 8.5% (325 residents)   
  • 35-44: 6.8% (260 residents)   
  • 45-54: 11.1% (425 residents)   
  • 55-64: 25.1% (960 residents)   
  • Over 64: 33.3% (1,275 residents)  

What is the population distribution by immigration status in Highlands East? 

Here’s the population distribution by immigration status in Highlands East: 
  • 92.5% non-immigrants (3,525 residents)  
  • 7.5% immigrants (285 residents)  
  • 0% non-permanent residents (0 residents)  

What are the primary languages spoken in Highlands East?  

Here’s a breakdown of the languages spoken in Highlands East: 
  • English: 99% 
  • French: 0.9% 
  • English and French: 0% 
  • Neither English nor French: 0.1% 

What is the typical household size in Highlands East?  

The typical household size in Highlands East is 2 people. 

What is the median household income in Highlands East?  

The median household income in Highlands East is $63,600 annually, according to Statistics Canada’s latest release—Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population. 

What is the educational attainment level of Highlands East residents?  

The educational attainment breakdown in Highlands East is as follows: 
  • No diploma: 22.8% (795 residents) 
  • High school diploma: 33.3% (1,160 residents) 
  • Apprenticeship diploma: 7% (245 residents) 
  • College diploma: 22% (765 residents) 
  • University diploma (below bachelor): 2.2% (75 residents) 
  • University degree: 12.8% (445 residents) 

What are the most common occupations in Highlands East?  

The most common occupations in Highlands East fall within the sectors listed below:
  • Art, culture, recreation and sport: 4.4% 
  • Business, finance and administration: 11.7% 
  • Education, law, community and government services: 11% 
  • Health: 6.2% 
  • Management: 1.8% 
  • Manufacturing and utilities: 4.4% 
  • Natural and applied sciences: 4.7% 
  • Natural resources and agriculture: 2.9% 
  • Sales and service: 27.4% 
  • Trades and transport: 25.6% 

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