Highwood, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,301
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$107,875/yr
5.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,076
5.4% year-over-year change

Highwood population

How many people live in Highwood

Highwood is home to 5,301 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.2% of Highwood locals are male, and 46.8% are female.

Total population
5,301
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.2%
2,819
Female
46.8%
2,482
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,819 53.2% 1.3%
Female 2,482 46.8% 0.8%
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 Highwood is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 16.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.9% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
41
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
16.3%
25 to 44
20.9%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
21.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 928 17.5% -15.6%
15 to 24 862 16.3% 3.5%
25 to 44 1,108 20.9% -14.6%
45 to 64 1,262 23.8% 4.7%
Over 65 1,141 21.5% 41.0%
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 Highwood, 76.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 61.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 2.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
76.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7%
Non-citizens
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,047 76.3% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 373 7% -0.8%
Non-citizens 881 16.6% -1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
61.6%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.6%
Other
24.6%
Value Percent
White 3,264 61.6%
Black or African American 61 1.2%
Asian 109 2.1%
Two or more races 564 10.6%
Other 1,303 24.6%

Households in Highwood

A peek inside Highwood households

Highwood has 2,025 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.9% are families, while the remaining 29.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,025
4.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
589
Family households
1,436
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 589 29.1% 0.3%
Family households 1,436 70.9% 6.4%
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 Highwood

The housing landscape of Highwood

Highwood's housing consists of 2,076 units, with 51.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,076
5.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,064 51.2%
1 unit, attached 106 5.1%
2 units 333 16%
3 or 4 units 85 4.1%
5 to 9 units 85 4.1%
10 to 19 units 110 5.3%
20 to 49 units 116 5.6%
50 or more units 168 8.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Highwood

In Highwood, the median construction year is 1969. About 37% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 769 37% 7.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 90 4.3% -14.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 133 6.4% -33.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 51 2.5% -7.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 358 17.2% 32.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 223 10.7% 26.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 281 13.5% 2.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 147 7.1% 1.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 24 1.2% -11.1%
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.

Highwood occupancy rates

Out of the 2,025 occupied housing units in Highwood, 56% are owner-occupied, while 44% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,025
4.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
892
Owner occupied
1,133
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 892 44% -9.7%
Owner occupied 1,133 56% 19.4%
Unoccupied housing units
2.5%
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.

Highwood housing costs

Housing costs in Highwood come to a median of $2,022 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,900.

Median housing costs per month
$2,022/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 Highwood
$1,900/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 Highwood

Highwood education at a glance

About 27.7% of the population in Highwood went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 2.2% earned an associate degree and 24.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 460 11.1% 8.0%
High school diploma 1,151 27.7% 5.8%
College diploma 823 19.8% 7.4%
Associate degree 90 2.2% -34.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,006 24.2% 17.4%
Graduate degree 619 14.9% -1.4%
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 Highwood

How much people earn in Highwood

The average annual household income in Highwood was $133,916 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $107,875, reflecting a +5.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Highwood
$133,916/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Highwood
$107,875/year
5.9% year-over-year change

Highwood income by age

In Highwood, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $114,375. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $115,614 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $28,259, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $107,083 in earnings. Overall, 84% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $28,259 10.3%
25 - 44 $114,375 44.6%
45 - 64 $115,614 1.6%
Over 65 $107,083 -13.8%
Above poverty level
4,356
Below poverty level
832
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,356 84% 0.8%
Below poverty level 832 16% 2.2%

Average renter income in Highwood

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Highwood, their median household income was $73,457 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$73,457
Rent-to-income ratio
31%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Highwood

Workforce and job types in Highwood

The job market in Highwood is powered by 2,757 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.9% run their own businesses, 66.4% are employed by private companies, and 15.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,757
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
2,276
Blue collar
481
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,276 82.6% -0.8%
Blue collar 481 17.4% 8.1%
Employer type
Self employees
11.9%
Private companies
66.4%
Governmental workers
15.9%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 327 11.9% 12.8%
Private companies 1,830 66.4% -5.0%
Governmental workers 438 15.9% 23.4%
Not for profit companies 162 5.9% -3.6%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Highwood stands at 6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Highwood

How people get around in Highwood

Commuting methods vary: 79.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% 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 2,207 79.7% -1.7%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% 0.0%
Railroad 89 3.2% -23.9%
Walk 50 1.8% 85.2%
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 Highwood by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60040 5,301 2,025 $107,875 $133,916

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FAQs about Highwood demographics 

What is the total population of Highwood?

Highwood has a total population of 5,301 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Highwood?

The gender ratio in Highwood is as follows:
  • 53.2% males (2,819 residents)
  • 46.8% females (2,482 residents)

What is the median age in Highwood?

The median age in Highwood is 41.

What is the age distribution of the population in Highwood?

The age distribution in Highwood is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (928 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.3% (862 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.9% (1,108 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (1,262 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.5% (1,141 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Highwood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Highwood is as follows:
  • White: 61.6% (3,264 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (61 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.1% (109 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.6% (564 residents)
  • Other: 24.6% (1,303 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 76.3% of the population in Highwood.

How many housing units are there in Highwood?

There are 2,076 housing units in Highwood, reflecting a +5.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Highwood has a total of 2,025 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Highwood?

Highwood has a median household income of $107,875, representing a +5.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Highwood?

The employment rate is 94% in Highwood, with a workforce of 2,757 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.6% (2,276 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.4% (481 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.9% (327 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.4% (1,830 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.9% (438 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (162 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