Highlands, Holyoke, Hampden County, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,131
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,605/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
510
0.0% year-over-year change

Highlands population

How many people live in Highlands

Highlands is home to 1,131 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Highlands locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
1,131
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
549
Female
51.5%
582
Value Percent YoY change
Male 549 48.5% -0.9%
Female 582 51.5% 0.2%
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 Highlands is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.4% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.1% of the population, while another 22.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.4%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
27.1%
45 to 64
22.6%
Over 65
20.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 208 18.4% 1.0%
15 to 24 133 11.8% 2.3%
25 to 44 307 27.1% -4.4%
45 to 64 256 22.6% -4.5%
Over 65 227 20.1% 7.6%
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 Highlands, 72.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 24.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 53.1% of locals are Caucasian, 3.4% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 26.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
72.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
24.9%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 818 72.3% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 282 24.9% -1.7%
Non-citizens 31 2.7% 14.8%
Racial breakdown
White
53.1%
Black or African American
3.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
26.6%
Other
15%
Value Percent
White 601 53.1%
Black or African American 39 3.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.5%
Asian 14 1.2%
Two or more races 301 26.6%
Other 170 15%

Households in Highlands

A peek inside Highlands households

Highlands has 467 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.6% are families, while the remaining 42.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
467
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
198
Family households
269
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 198 42.4% -2.0%
Family households 269 57.6% 2.7%
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 Highlands

The housing landscape of Highlands

Highlands's housing consists of 510 units, with 33.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
510
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 170 33.4%
1 unit, attached 40 7.9%
2 units 52 10.2%
3 or 4 units 56 11%
5 to 9 units 79 15.5%
10 to 19 units 49 9.6%
20 to 49 units 28 5.5%
50 or more units 35 6.9%
Homes built since 2020
1
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Highlands

In Highlands, the median construction year is 1950. About 42.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 217 42.6% -4.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 36 7.1% 2.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 54 10.6% 3.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 61 12% 3.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 59 11.6% 15.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 40 7.9% -16.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 20 3.9% 17.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13 2.6% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8 1.6% 33.3%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0.2% 0.0%
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.

Highlands occupancy rates

Out of the 467 occupied housing units in Highlands, 41.3% are owner-occupied, while 58.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
467
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
274
Owner occupied
193
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 274 58.7% 1.1%
Owner occupied 193 41.3% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
8.4%
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.

Highlands housing costs

Housing costs in Highlands come to a median of $1,143 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,021.

Median housing costs per month
$1,143/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 Highlands
$1,021/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 Highlands

Highlands education at a glance

About 43.2% of the population in Highlands went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 15.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 70 7.9% 6.1%
High school diploma 383 43.2% -3.5%
College diploma 151 17% -2.6%
Associate degree 68 7.7% -5.6%
Bachelor's degree 136 15.3% 3.8%
Graduate degree 79 8.9% 11.3%
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 Highlands

How much people earn in Highlands

The average annual household income in Highlands was $73,703 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,605, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Highlands
$73,703/year
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Highlands
$53,605/year
3.3% year-over-year change

Highlands income by age

In Highlands, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,099. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,708 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,869 in earnings. Overall, 73% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,000 6.2%
25 - 44 $61,099 4.8%
45 - 64 $70,708 8.8%
Over 65 $42,869 3.4%
Above poverty level
797
Below poverty level
295
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 797 73% -4.4%
Below poverty level 295 27% 13.9%

Employment in Highlands

Workforce and job types in Highlands

78.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 62.6% are employed by private companies, and 16.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
358
Blue collar
100
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 358 78.2% -3.8%
Blue collar 100 21.8% -5.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
62.6%
Governmental workers
16.4%
Not for profit companies
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 28 6.1% -15.2%
Private companies 286 62.6% -5.6%
Governmental workers 75 16.4% -3.9%
Not for profit companies 68 14.9% 6.2%

Transportation in Highlands

How people get around in Highlands

Commuting methods vary: 92.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.3% 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 360 92.3% -8.9%
Bus or trolleybus 15 3.8% 36.4%
Bicycle 2 0.5% 100.0%
Walk 13 3.3% 18.2%
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 Highlands by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
01040 37,813 15,618 $53,605 $73,703

Explore more communities

FAQs about Highlands demographics 

What is the total population of Highlands?

Highlands has a total population of 1,131 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Highlands?

The gender ratio in Highlands is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (549 residents)
  • 51.5% females (582 residents)

What is the median age in Highlands?

The median age in Highlands is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Highlands?

The age distribution in Highlands is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.4% (208 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (133 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.1% (307 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.6% (256 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.1% (227 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Highlands?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Highlands is as follows:
  • White: 53.1% (601 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.4% (39 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (14 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 26.6% (301 residents)
  • Other: 15% (170 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 72.3% of the population in Highlands.

How many housing units are there in Highlands?

There are 510 housing units in Highlands, reflecting a 0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Highlands has a total of 467 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Highlands?

Highlands has a median household income of $53,605, representing a +3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Highlands?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.2% (358 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.8% (100 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (28 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.6% (286 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.4% (75 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.9% (68 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