Highland Park, Lake County, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
30,398
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$168,094/yr
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,488
0.9% year-over-year change

Highland Park population

How many people live in Highland Park

Highland Park is home to 30,398 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Highland Park locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
30,398
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
14,512
Female
52.3%
15,886
Value Percent YoY change
Male 14,512 47.7% 0.0%
Female 15,886 52.3% 1.0%
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 Park is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.3% are children under 15, then 9.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.6% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
45
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.3%
15 to 24
9.1%
25 to 44
20.6%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
24.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,173 20.3% -1.0%
15 to 24 2,777 9.1% 3.9%
25 to 44 6,246 20.6% 8.3%
45 to 64 7,802 25.7% -3.8%
Over 65 7,400 24.3% -0.5%
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 Park, 88.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.9% of locals are Caucasian, 2% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.4%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 26,807 88.2% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,565 8.4% 2.6%
Non-citizens 1,026 3.4% -17.5%
Racial breakdown
White
82.9%
Black or African American
2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.8%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 25,208 82.9%
Black or African American 615 2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 180 0.6%
Asian 837 2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 11 0%
Two or more races 2,387 7.8%
Other 1,160 3.8%

Households in Highland Park

A peek inside Highland Park households

Highland Park has 11,787 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.8% are families, while the remaining 28.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,787
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,321
Family households
8,466
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,321 28.2% 2.6%
Family households 8,466 71.8% -0.7%
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 Park

The housing landscape of Highland Park

Highland Park's housing consists of 12,488 units, with 73.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
12,488
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,193 73.6%
1 unit, attached 569 4.6%
2 units 195 1.6%
3 or 4 units 304 2.4%
5 to 9 units 369 3%
10 to 19 units 473 3.8%
20 to 49 units 856 6.8%
50 or more units 529 4.2%
Homes built since 2020
161
94.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Highland Park

In Highland Park, the median construction year is 1963. About 23.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,981 23.9% -6.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 590 4.7% -6.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,108 16.9% 9.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,694 13.6% -3.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,208 9.7% 4.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,050 8.4% 11.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 917 7.3% -11.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,361 10.9% 7.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 418 3.4% 10.0%
Built in 2020 or later 161 1.3% 94.0%
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 Park occupancy rates

Out of the 11,787 occupied housing units in Highland Park, 83.8% are owner-occupied, while 16.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,787
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,912
Owner occupied
9,875
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,912 16.2% -0.1%
Owner occupied 9,875 83.8% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
5.6%
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 Park housing costs

Housing costs in Highland Park come to a median of $2,714 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,925.

Median housing costs per month
$2,714/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 Park
$1,925/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 Park

Highland Park education at a glance

About 11.2% of the population in Highland Park went to high school, while 11% pursued college studies. Another 3% earned an associate degree and 36.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 36.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 413 1.8% -12.9%
High school diploma 2,592 11.2% 4.7%
College diploma 2,553 11% -4.2%
Associate degree 690 3% -2.7%
Bachelor's degree 8,451 36.5% -0.8%
Graduate degree 8,468 36.6% 4.9%
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 Park

How much people earn in Highland Park

The average annual household income in Highland Park was $250,788 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $168,094, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Highland Park
$250,788/year
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Highland Park
$168,094/year
3.8% year-over-year change

Highland Park income by age

In Highland Park, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $201,944. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $209,524 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $149,700, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $115,545 in earnings. Overall, 95.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $149,700 2.6%
25 - 44 $201,944 3.9%
45 - 64 $209,524 6.8%
Over 65 $115,545 -0.7%
Above poverty level
28,494
Below poverty level
1,258
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 28,494 95.8% -0.4%
Below poverty level 1,258 4.2% 28.5%

Average renter income in Highland Park

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Highland Park, their median household income was $72,901 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$72,901
Rent-to-income ratio
31.7%
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 Highland Park

Workforce and job types in Highland Park

The job market in Highland Park is powered by 14,803 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15% run their own businesses, 63.6% are employed by private companies, and 9.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
14,803
0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
13,864
Blue collar
939
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,864 93.7% 0.4%
Blue collar 939 6.3% 3.3%
Employer type
Self employees
15%
Private companies
63.6%
Governmental workers
9.3%
Not for profit companies
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,226 15% -3.0%
Private companies 9,421 63.6% 1.5%
Governmental workers 1,376 9.3% -0.7%
Not for profit companies 1,780 12% 1.8%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
-2.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Highland Park stands at 3.2%, 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 Highland Park

How people get around in Highland Park

In Highland Park, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 63.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-2.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,395 63.9% -0.8%
Taxicab 17 0.1% -5.6%
Subway or elevated 32 0.2% N/A
Railroad 780 5.3% -6.7%
Motorcycle 8 0% N/A
Bicycle 78 0.5% 25.8%
Walk 341 2.3% -0.9%
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 Park by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
60035 30,398 11,787 $168,094 $250,788

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Highland Park demographics 

What is the total population of Highland Park?

Highland Park has a total population of 30,398 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Highland Park?

The gender ratio in Highland Park is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (14,512 residents)
  • 52.3% females (15,886 residents)

What is the median age in Highland Park?

The median age in Highland Park is 45.

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

The age distribution in Highland Park is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.3% (6,173 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.1% (2,777 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.6% (6,246 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (7,802 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.3% (7,400 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Highland Park?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Highland Park is as follows:
  • White: 82.9% (25,208 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2% (615 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (180 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (837 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (11 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.8% (2,387 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (1,160 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.2% of the population in Highland Park.

How many housing units are there in Highland Park?

There are 12,488 housing units in Highland Park, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Highland Park has a total of 11,787 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Highland Park?

Highland Park has a median household income of $168,094, representing a +3.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Highland Park?

The employment rate is 96.8% in Highland Park, with a workforce of 14,803 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.7% (13,864 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.3% (939 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15% (2,226 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.6% (9,421 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.3% (1,376 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12% (1,780 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