Highlands, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,335
-13.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,167/yr
-4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,766
-6.9% year-over-year change

Highlands population

How many people live in Highlands

Highlands is home to 6,335 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Highlands locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
6,335
-13.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
3,143
Female
50.4%
3,192
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,143 49.6% -16.3%
Female 3,192 50.4% -10.9%
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 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 21.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
24.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,205 19% -29.3%
15 to 24 589 9.3% -16.9%
25 to 44 1,610 25.4% -10.3%
45 to 64 1,385 21.9% -16.0%
Over 65 1,546 24.4% 4.2%
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, 82.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 13.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.8%
Non-citizens
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,222 82.4% -14.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 494 7.8% -24.5%
Non-citizens 619 9.8% 7.1%
Racial breakdown
White
71%
Black or African American
7.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.6%
Other
4.6%
Value Percent
White 4,495 71%
Black or African American 498 7.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 190 3%
Two or more races 864 13.6%
Other 288 4.6%

Households in Highlands

A peek inside Highlands households

Highlands has 2,240 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72% are families, while the remaining 28% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,240
-10.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
627
Family households
1,613
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 627 28% -11.4%
Family households 1,613 72% -10.4%
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 Highlands

The housing landscape of Highlands

Highlands's housing consists of 2,766 units, with 70.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% 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 22.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,766
-6.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,947 70.4%
1 unit, attached 7 0.2%
2 units 19 0.7%
3 or 4 units 41 1.5%
10 to 19 units 19 0.7%
Mobile home 631 22.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 102 3.7%
Homes built since 2020
35
66.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Highlands

In Highlands, the median construction year is 1979. About 2.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 17.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.2% 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 67 2.4% 28.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 484 17.5% -5.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 374 13.5% 0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 213 7.7% 10.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 284 10.3% -38.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 328 11.9% -8.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 401 14.5% -4.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 270 9.8% -14.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 310 11.2% 16.1%
Built in 2020 or later 35 1.3% 66.7%
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 2,240 occupied housing units in Highlands, 80.4% are owner-occupied, while 19.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,240
-10.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
438
Owner occupied
1,802
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 438 19.6% -28.3%
Owner occupied 1,802 80.4% -5.0%
Unoccupied housing units
19.0%
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.

Highlands housing costs

Housing costs in Highlands come to a median of $1,049 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,223.

Median housing costs per month
$1,049/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
$1,223/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 52% of the population in Highlands went to high school, while 21.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 425 8.5% 15.5%
High school diploma 2,591 52% 5.2%
College diploma 1,064 21.4% -21.6%
Associate degree 354 7.1% -35.4%
Bachelor's degree 350 7% -38.9%
Graduate degree 196 3.9% 62.0%
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 Highlands

How much people earn in Highlands

The average annual household income in Highlands was $87,373 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,167, reflecting a -4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Highlands
$87,373/year
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Highlands
$52,167/year
-4.3% 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 $87,705. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,549 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $12,805, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,056 in earnings. Overall, 89.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $12,805 N/A
25 - 44 $87,705 22.3%
45 - 64 $55,549 -14.6%
Over 65 $48,056 -3.1%
Above poverty level
5,510
Below poverty level
621
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,510 89.9% -14.4%
Below poverty level 621 10.1% -12.2%

Average renter income in Highlands

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Highlands, their median household income was $68,125 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$68,125
Rent-to-income ratio
21.5%
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 Highlands

Workforce and job types in Highlands

The job market in Highlands is powered by 2,541 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.1% run their own businesses, 72.1% are employed by private companies, and 10.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,541
-7.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,736
Blue collar
805
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,736 68.3% -7.6%
Blue collar 805 31.7% -6.4%
Employer type
Self employees
11.1%
Private companies
72.1%
Governmental workers
10.4%
Not for profit companies
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 281 11.1% -16.4%
Private companies 1,832 72.1% -4.9%
Governmental workers 264 10.4% -7.0%
Not for profit companies 164 6.4% -14.6%
Unemployment rate
10.1%
0.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Highlands stands at 10.1%, 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 Highlands

How people get around in Highlands

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,154 90.3% -8.8%
Bus or trolleybus 93 3.9% 13.4%
Railroad 24 1% 33.3%
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 Highlands by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
77562 8,914 3,427 $57,364 $89,388

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FAQs about Highlands demographics 

What is the total population of Highlands?

Highlands has a total population of 6,335 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 -13.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Highlands?

The gender ratio in Highlands is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (3,143 residents)
  • 50.4% females (3,192 residents)

What is the median age in Highlands?

The median age in Highlands is 40.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Highlands?

The age distribution in Highlands is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (1,205 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (589 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (1,610 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.9% (1,385 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.4% (1,546 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Highlands?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Highlands is as follows:
  • White: 71% (4,495 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.9% (498 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3% (190 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.6% (864 residents)
  • Other: 4.6% (288 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.4% of the population in Highlands.

How many housing units are there in Highlands?

There are 2,766 housing units in Highlands, reflecting a -6.9% 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 2,240 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Highlands?

Highlands has a median household income of $52,167, representing a -4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.9% in Highlands, with a workforce of 2,541 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.3% (1,736 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.7% (805 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.1% (281 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.1% (1,832 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.4% (264 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.4% (164 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