Highland Lakes, Palm Harbor, Pinellas County, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,636
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,145/yr
6.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,007
0.8% year-over-year change

Highland Lakes population

How many people live in Highland Lakes

Highland Lakes is home to 5,636 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Highland Lakes locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
5,636
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
2,704
Female
52%
2,932
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,704 48% 3.0%
Female 2,932 52% -2.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Highland Lakes is 55, with the population distributed as follows: about 12% are children under 15, then 7.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.1% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 36.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
55.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
12%
15 to 24
7.7%
25 to 44
19.1%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
36.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 679 12% 0.4%
15 to 24 436 7.7% 1.2%
25 to 44 1,074 19.1% 5.9%
45 to 64 1,387 24.6% -4.5%
Over 65 2,059 36.5% 0.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Highland Lakes, 85.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.3% of locals are Caucasian, 2.3% are African American and 3.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.2%
Non-citizens
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,807 85.3% -0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 576 10.2% 4.7%
Non-citizens 253 4.5% -1.6%
Racial breakdown
White
83.3%
Black or African American
2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.7%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 4,696 83.3%
Black or African American 130 2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4 0.1%
Asian 176 3.1%
Two or more races 547 9.7%
Other 84 1.5%

Households in Highland Lakes

A peek inside Highland Lakes households

Highland Lakes has 2,684 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.8% are families, while the remaining 43.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,684
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,160
Family households
1,525
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,160 43.2% 1.1%
Family households 1,525 56.8% 1.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Highland Lakes

The housing landscape of Highland Lakes

Highland Lakes's housing consists of 3,007 units, with 47.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,007
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,419 47.2%
1 unit, attached 376 12.5%
2 units 38 1.3%
3 or 4 units 216 7.2%
5 to 9 units 176 5.8%
10 to 19 units 184 6.1%
20 to 49 units 75 2.5%
50 or more units 280 9.3%
Mobile home 243 8.1%
Homes built since 2020
11
57.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Highland Lakes

In Highland Lakes, the median construction year is 1985. About 0.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6 0.2% 50.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5 0.2% 400.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 37 1.2% 32.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 109 3.6% 5.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 528 17.6% 3.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,679 55.8% 1.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 425 14.1% -10.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 95 3.2% -8.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 111 3.7% 12.1%
Built in 2020 or later 11 0.4% 57.1%
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.

Highland Lakes occupancy rates

Out of the 2,684 occupied housing units in Highland Lakes, 72.9% are owner-occupied, while 27.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,684
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
728
Owner occupied
1,956
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 728 27.1% -2.8%
Owner occupied 1,956 72.9% 3.2%
Unoccupied housing units
10.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Highland Lakes housing costs

Housing costs in Highland Lakes come to a median of $1,344 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,854.

Median housing costs per month
$1,344/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Highland Lakes
$1,854/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Highland Lakes

Highland Lakes education at a glance

About 31.6% of the population in Highland Lakes went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.4% earned an associate degree and 25% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 71 1.5% -4.0%
High school diploma 1,517 31.6% -4.2%
College diploma 991 20.6% -7.7%
Associate degree 452 9.4% 2.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,200 25% 5.3%
Graduate degree 569 11.8% 11.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Highland Lakes

How much people earn in Highland Lakes

The average annual household income in Highland Lakes was $96,880 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,145, reflecting a +6.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Highland Lakes
$96,880/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Highland Lakes
$72,145/year
6.8% year-over-year change

Highland Lakes income by age

In Highland Lakes, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,735. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,875 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $82,986, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,191 in earnings. Overall, 89.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $82,986 3.6%
25 - 44 $85,735 14.2%
45 - 64 $94,875 1.6%
Over 65 $52,191 3.9%
Above poverty level
4,847
Below poverty level
588
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,847 89.2% -0.1%
Below poverty level 588 10.8% 1.0%

Employment in Highland Lakes

Workforce and job types in Highland Lakes

87% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.9% run their own businesses, 64.4% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,091
Blue collar
311
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,091 87% -1.2%
Blue collar 311 13% -1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
15.9%
Private companies
64.4%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 381 15.9% 10.8%
Private companies 1,546 64.4% -5.6%
Governmental workers 263 11% 13.8%
Not for profit companies 212 8.8% -4.1%

Transportation in Highland Lakes

How people get around in Highland Lakes

Commuting methods vary: 97.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,781 97.8% -7.3%
Bus or trolleybus 7 0.4% 40.0%
Bicycle 13 0.7% -13.3%
Walk 21 1.2% 5.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Highland Lakes by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
34684 27,029 12,874 $72,145 $96,994

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FAQs about Highland Lakes demographics 

What is the total population of Highland Lakes?

Highland Lakes has a total population of 5,636 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Highland Lakes?

The gender ratio in Highland Lakes is as follows:
  • 48% males (2,704 residents)
  • 52% females (2,932 residents)

What is the median age in Highland Lakes?

The median age in Highland Lakes is 55.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Highland Lakes?

The age distribution in Highland Lakes is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12% (679 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.7% (436 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.1% (1,074 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (1,387 residents)
  • Over 65: 36.5% (2,059 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Highland Lakes?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Highland Lakes is as follows:
  • White: 83.3% (4,696 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.3% (130 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • Asian: 3.1% (176 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.7% (547 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (84 residents)

What percentage of the population in Highland Lakes are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.3% of the population in Highland Lakes.

How many housing units are there in Highland Lakes?

There are 3,007 housing units in Highland Lakes, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Highland Lakes and what is the average household size?

Highland Lakes has a total of 2,684 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Highland Lakes?

Highland Lakes has a median household income of $72,145, representing a +6.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Highland Lakes?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87% (2,091 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13% (311 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.9% (381 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.4% (1,546 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (263 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (212 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025