Highland, St. Paul, Ramsey County, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
23,619
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,141/yr
-2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,862
1.6% year-over-year change

Highland population

How many people live in Highland

Highland is home to 23,619 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of Highland locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
23,619
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
11,311
Female
52.1%
12,308
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,311 47.9% -0.2%
Female 12,308 52.1% -1.1%
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 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.8% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.7% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.8%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
27.7%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
21.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,483 14.8% -7.0%
15 to 24 2,639 11.2% -4.0%
25 to 44 6,540 27.7% -1.0%
45 to 64 5,851 24.8% -0.4%
Over 65 5,105 21.6% 6.3%
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, 83.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.9% of locals are Caucasian, 12.4% are African American and 4.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.2%
Non-citizens
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,826 83.9% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,413 10.2% 16.7%
Non-citizens 1,380 5.8% -22.4%
Racial breakdown
White
72.9%
Black or African American
12.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
4.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.6%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 17,213 72.9%
Black or African American 2,930 12.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 52 0.2%
Asian 1,063 4.5%
Two or more races 1,796 7.6%
Other 565 2.4%

Households in Highland

A peek inside Highland households

Highland has 11,390 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46.4% are families, while the remaining 53.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,390
3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,105
Family households
5,286
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,105 53.6% 4.8%
Family households 5,286 46.4% 0.9%
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 11,862 units, with 46.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
11,862
1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,484 46.2%
1 unit, attached 345 2.9%
2 units 216 1.8%
3 or 4 units 217 1.8%
5 to 9 units 642 5.4%
10 to 19 units 1,110 9.4%
20 to 49 units 1,013 8.5%
50 or more units 2,835 23.9%
Homes built since 2020
174
185.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Highland

In Highland, the median construction year is 1958. About 19.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,288 19.3% -2.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,614 13.6% -1.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,437 20.5% -3.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 867 7.3% 6.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,348 11.4% -9.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,098 9.3% 20.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 284 2.4% 5.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,108 9.3% 2.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 644 5.4% 19.7%
Built in 2020 or later 174 1.5% 185.2%
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 11,390 occupied housing units in Highland, 51% are owner-occupied, while 49% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,390
3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,584
Owner occupied
5,807
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,584 49% 2.8%
Owner occupied 5,807 51% 3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
4.0%
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 $1,461 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,318.

Median housing costs per month
$1,461/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
$1,318/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 17.1% of the population in Highland went to high school, while 19.9% pursued college studies. Another 5.2% earned an associate degree and 31.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 25.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 266 1.4% 8.1%
High school diploma 3,292 17.1% -7.8%
College diploma 3,840 19.9% 3.2%
Associate degree 1,003 5.2% 2.8%
Bachelor's degree 6,032 31.2% 0.6%
Graduate degree 4,868 25.2% 6.0%
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 $119,923 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $81,141, reflecting a -2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Highland
$119,923/year
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Highland
$81,141/year
-2.4% 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 $95,276. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $106,766 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,941, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $59,171 in earnings. Overall, 91.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,941 -6.1%
25 - 44 $95,276 8.1%
45 - 64 $106,766 -2.8%
Over 65 $59,171 1.0%
Above poverty level
20,672
Below poverty level
1,881
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,672 91.7% 0.6%
Below poverty level 1,881 8.3% -11.9%

Employment in Highland

Workforce and job types in Highland

87.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.9% run their own businesses, 56.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
10,795
Blue collar
1,545
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,795 87.5% -2.4%
Blue collar 1,545 12.5% 9.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.9%
Private companies
56.9%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 972 7.9% -2.8%
Private companies 7,027 56.9% -4.1%
Governmental workers 1,994 16.2% 5.0%
Not for profit companies 2,347 19% 4.5%

Transportation in Highland

How people get around in Highland

In Highland, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 85.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
-5.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,641 85.2% -7.8%
Taxicab 18 0.2% 157.1%
Bus or trolleybus 689 7.7% 9.5%
Bicycle 140 1.6% 60.9%
Walk 486 5.4% 13.3%
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
55116 25,918 12,499 $81,141 $124,983

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FAQs about Highland demographics 

What is the total population of Highland?

Highland has a total population of 23,619 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Highland?

The gender ratio in Highland is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (11,311 residents)
  • 52.1% females (12,308 residents)

What is the median age in Highland?

The median age in Highland is 42.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Highland?

The age distribution in Highland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.8% (3,483 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (2,639 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.7% (6,540 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (5,851 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.6% (5,105 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Highland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Highland is as follows:
  • White: 72.9% (17,213 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.4% (2,930 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (52 residents)
  • Asian: 4.5% (1,063 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.6% (1,796 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (565 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.9% of the population in Highland.

How many housing units are there in Highland?

There are 11,862 housing units in Highland, reflecting a +1.6% 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 11,390 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Highland?

Highland has a median household income of $81,141, representing a -2.4% 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: 87.5% (10,795 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.5% (1,545 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.9% (972 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.9% (7,027 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (1,994 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 19% (2,347 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