Highland, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,423
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$99,413/yr
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,831
3.1% year-over-year change

Highland population

How many people live in Highland

Highland is home to 19,423 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Highland locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
19,423
2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
9,868
Female
49.2%
9,555
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,868 50.8% 0.8%
Female 9,555 49.2% 4.4%
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 is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.3% of the population, while another 29.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
22.3%
45 to 64
29.2%
Over 65
20.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,339 17.2% 4.1%
15 to 24 2,173 11.2% -0.1%
25 to 44 4,332 22.3% 7.3%
45 to 64 5,664 29.2% -1.7%
Over 65 3,916 20.2% 4.0%
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 Highland, 96.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 18,669 96.1% 2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 535 2.8% 18.9%
Non-citizens 219 1.1% 11.7%
Racial breakdown
White
91.9%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 17,851 91.9%
Black or African American 113 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0%
Asian 133 0.7%
Two or more races 1,123 5.8%
Other 197 1%

Households in Highland

A peek inside Highland households

Highland has 7,434 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 75.1% are families, while the remaining 24.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,434
3.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,854
Family households
5,580
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,854 24.9% 2.3%
Family households 5,580 75.1% 4.1%
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

The housing landscape of Highland

Highland's housing consists of 7,831 units, with 84.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% 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 8.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,831
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,596 84.2%
1 unit, attached 127 1.6%
2 units 204 2.6%
3 or 4 units 22 0.3%
5 to 9 units 108 1.4%
10 to 19 units 12 0.2%
20 to 49 units 67 0.9%
50 or more units 25 0.3%
Mobile home 671 8.6%
Homes built since 2020
96
159.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Highland

In Highland, the median construction year is 1986. About 7.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 593 7.6% 8.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 169 2.2% 11.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 721 9.2% 2.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 675 8.6% 0.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,726 22% -2.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,171 15% 10.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,274 16.3% 0.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,061 13.6% 7.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 346 4.4% -11.3%
Built in 2020 or later 96 1.2% 159.5%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 7,434 occupied housing units in Highland, 88.9% are owner-occupied, while 11.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,434
3.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
822
Owner occupied
6,612
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 822 11.1% 4.7%
Owner occupied 6,612 88.9% 3.5%
Unoccupied housing units
5.1%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Highland come to a median of $1,356 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,153.

Median housing costs per month
$1,356/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
$1,153/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

Highland education at a glance

About 31.1% of the population in Highland went to high school, while 22.4% pursued college studies. Another 12.5% earned an associate degree and 22.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 217 1.4% 34.8%
High school diploma 4,726 31.1% -2.1%
College diploma 3,410 22.4% -0.3%
Associate degree 1,906 12.5% 7.4%
Bachelor's degree 3,476 22.9% 3.2%
Graduate degree 1,468 9.7% 8.8%
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

How much people earn in Highland

The average annual household income in Highland was $128,499 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $99,413, reflecting a +0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Highland
$128,499/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Highland
$99,413/year
0.2% year-over-year change

Highland income by age

In Highland, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $125,858. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $128,144 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $69,938, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,125 in earnings. Overall, 92.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $69,938 13.7%
25 - 44 $125,858 4.8%
45 - 64 $128,144 1.5%
Over 65 $63,125 1.9%
Above poverty level
17,764
Below poverty level
1,499
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 17,764 92.2% 2.5%
Below poverty level 1,499 7.8% 4.0%

Employment in Highland

Workforce and job types in Highland

81.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 70.9% are employed by private companies, and 11.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
7,894
Blue collar
1,831
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,894 81.2% 4.3%
Blue collar 1,831 18.8% -2.4%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
70.9%
Governmental workers
11.5%
Not for profit companies
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 980 10.1% -19.9%
Private companies 6,894 70.9% 4.3%
Governmental workers 1,120 11.5% 20.3%
Not for profit companies 731 7.5% 7.7%

Transportation in Highland

How people get around in Highland

In Highland, the average commute time is 35 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 99.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
35 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,904 99.2% 2.1%
Bus or trolleybus 3 0% -25.0%
Bicycle 14 0.2% 100.0%
Walk 45 0.6% 32.4%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48356 8,365 3,233 $103,872 $122,564
48357 8,718 3,305 $94,954 $125,421
48380 7,125 2,578 $131,979 $170,057
48442 22,788 9,348 $86,575 $108,648

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FAQs about Highland demographics 

What is the total population of Highland?

Highland has a total population of 19,423 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 +2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Highland?

The gender ratio in Highland is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (9,868 residents)
  • 49.2% females (9,555 residents)

What is the median age in Highland?

The median age in Highland is 44.

What is the age distribution of the population in Highland?

The age distribution in Highland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (3,339 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (2,173 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.3% (4,332 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.2% (5,664 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.2% (3,916 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Highland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Highland is as follows:
  • White: 91.9% (17,851 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (113 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (133 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (1,123 residents)
  • Other: 1% (197 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.1% of the population in Highland.

How many housing units are there in Highland?

There are 7,831 housing units in Highland, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Highland has a total of 7,434 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Highland?

Highland has a median household income of $99,413, representing a +0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Highland?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.2% (7,894 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.8% (1,831 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (980 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.9% (6,894 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.5% (1,120 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.5% (731 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