Highland County, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,296
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,625/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,864
1.4% year-over-year change

Highland County population

How many people live in Highland County

Highland County is home to 2,296 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.2% of Highland County locals are male, and 54.8% are female.

Total population
2,296
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.2%
1,038
Female
54.8%
1,258
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,038 45.2% 2.1%
Female 1,258 54.8% 0.8%
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 County is 56, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.3% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 15.3% of the population, while another 26% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 34.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
56.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.3%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
15.3%
45 to 64
26%
Over 65
34.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 282 12.3% 13.7%
15 to 24 266 11.6% -12.2%
25 to 44 352 15.3% 6.3%
45 to 64 598 26% -1.5%
Over 65 798 34.8% 2.8%
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 County, 98.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,264 98.6% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 27 1.2% 22.7%
Non-citizens 5 0.2% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
94.9%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.7%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,179 94.9%
Asian 55 2.4%
Two or more races 62 2.7%

Households in Highland County

A peek inside Highland County households

Highland County has 1,003 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.7% are families, while the remaining 36.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,003
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
364
Family households
639
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 364 36.3% 1.7%
Family households 639 63.7% -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 County

The housing landscape of Highland County

Highland County's housing consists of 1,864 units, with 81.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% 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 15.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,864
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,515 81.3%
1 unit, attached 23 1.2%
2 units 41 2.2%
Mobile home 285 15.3%
Homes built since 2020
20
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Highland County

In Highland County, the median construction year is 1971. About 35.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 660 35.4% 10.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 75 4% -16.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 66 3.5% 40.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 109 5.8% -18.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 213 11.4% -7.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 210 11.3% -21.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 171 9.2% 15.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 292 15.7% 4.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 48 2.6% -2.0%
Built in 2020 or later 20 1.1% N/A
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 1,003 occupied housing units in Highland County, 88.9% are owner-occupied, while 11.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 46.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,003
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
111
Owner occupied
892
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 111 11.1% -6.7%
Owner occupied 892 88.9% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
46.2%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Highland County come to a median of $621 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $856.

Median housing costs per month
$621/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 County
$856/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 County

Highland County education at a glance

About 52.2% of the population in Highland County went to high school, while 10.9% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 18.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 63 3.2% 1.6%
High school diploma 1,025 52.2% 9.2%
College diploma 214 10.9% -15.1%
Associate degree 118 6% 35.6%
Bachelor's degree 363 18.5% -5.5%
Graduate degree 179 9.1% -21.1%
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 County

How much people earn in Highland County

The average annual household income in Highland County was $76,499 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,625, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Highland County
$76,499/year
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Highland County
$65,625/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Highland County income by age

In Highland County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $87,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,177 overall. Overall, 90.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $87,500 55.6%
45 - 64 $73,177 3.1%
Over 65 $60,797 3.4%
Above poverty level
2,072
Below poverty level
219
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,072 90.4% 2.4%
Below poverty level 219 9.6% -6.0%

Employment in Highland County

Workforce and job types in Highland County

The job market in Highland County is powered by 914 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.2% run their own businesses, 45% are employed by private companies, and 28.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
914
4.6% year-over-year change
White collar
696
Blue collar
218
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 696 76.2% 6.3%
Blue collar 218 23.8% -0.5%
Employer type
Self employees
18.2%
Private companies
45%
Governmental workers
28.6%
Not for profit companies
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 166 18.2% -4.6%
Private companies 411 45% 6.5%
Governmental workers 261 28.6% 4.0%
Not for profit companies 76 8.3% 20.6%
Unemployment rate
12.0%
-25.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Highland County stands at 12%, 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 County

How people get around in Highland County

Commuting methods vary: 75.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% 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 676 75.7% 8.5%
Walk 26 2.9% -10.3%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24413 251 114 $65,893 $84,188
24484 486 238 $55,000 $75,131
24433 88 40 $79,444 $77,773
24487 566 243 $54,803 $81,769
24442 68 27 $69,750 $93,074
24458 244 109 $54,145 $65,395
24465 1,403 626 $61,379 $67,736

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FAQs about Highland County demographics 

What is the total population of Highland County?

Highland County has a total population of 2,296 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Highland County?

The gender ratio in Highland County is as follows:
  • 45.2% males (1,038 residents)
  • 54.8% females (1,258 residents)

What is the median age in Highland County?

The median age in Highland County is 56.5.

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

The age distribution in Highland County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.3% (282 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (266 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 15.3% (352 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26% (598 residents)
  • Over 65: 34.8% (798 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Highland County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Highland County is as follows:
  • White: 94.9% (2,179 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (55 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.7% (62 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.6% of the population in Highland County.

How many housing units are there in Highland County?

There are 1,864 housing units in Highland County, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Highland County has a total of 1,003 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Highland County?

Highland County has a median household income of $65,625, 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 Highland County?

The employment rate is 88% in Highland County, with a workforce of 914 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.2% (696 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.8% (218 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.2% (166 residents)
  • Private companies: 45% (411 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.6% (261 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.3% (76 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