Median Income
$62,857
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$225,600
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.1%
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Highfield-Cascade Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,079
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density624/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,857
Per Capita$36,798
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$20,352M
Commute44 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$225,600
Ownership89.3%
Zillow$392,833
Housing Units422
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property566/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking14.7%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,301 ft (397 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.1%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score6.54
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 53%
Commute44 min
Broadband86.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Highfield-Cascade a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Highfield-Cascade receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Highfield-Cascade offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Highfield-Cascade is $62,857, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Highfield-Cascade is $225,600, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Highfield-Cascade is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 566 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.
Education
19.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Highfield-Cascade experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Highfield-Cascade has a population of 1,079 with a density of 624 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Highfield-Cascade vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Highfield-Cascade vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Highfield-Cascade is $62,857, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,798. The average weekly wage is $1,343. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,170 business establishments, including 526 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 27.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Highfield-Cascade vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,857 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,798 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,343 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $99,317 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,170 |
| County GDP | $20,352M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 526 |
| Healthcare | 755 |
| Retail | 710 |
| Manufacturing | 168 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,766 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 44.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 27.7% |
The median home value in Highfield-Cascade is $225,600, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $392,833, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 422 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $5,766 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $225,600 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $392,833 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.7% |
| Housing Units | 422 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,766 |
| 65% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.56% |
In Highfield-Cascade, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 16.7% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,782. The dentist ratio is 1:1,503. 90.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Highfield-Cascade vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,782 |
| Dentists | 1:1,503 |
| Mental Health | 1:320 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,697/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 755 |
Highfield-Cascade has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 566 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 30 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Highfield-Cascade receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Highfield-Cascade vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 266.5/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 566.3/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 30 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Highfield-Cascade experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 48.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,301 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,301 ft (397 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 624/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7136°N, 77.4946°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Frederick County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hagerstown Regional/Richard A Henson Field (HGR) 12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.6"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 25, 2021.
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
142 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
144 km |
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
51 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
79 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
61 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
52 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
116 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
56 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
55 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
61 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
74 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
90 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
103 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
62 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
81 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
1 km WSW of Montrose Manor, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Irene (2011, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
297 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
391 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 204 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1961 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 2004 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1996 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1995 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Highfield-Cascade has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Highfield-Cascade. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$263 ($158–$420) |
| Specialist Visit |
$368 ($210–$578) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$210 ($105–$368) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,310 ($840–$5,250) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$137 ($79–$210) |
| Dental Filling |
$263 ($158–$420) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53–$126) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$630 ($420–$1,050) |
| Battery Replacement |
$210 ($105–$368) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$105 ($63–$158) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53–$147) |
| HVAC Repair |
$420 ($158–$840) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,350 ($4,200–$12,600) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,050 ($420–$2,100) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,450 ($5,775–$15,750) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,575 ($525–$3,675) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,750 ($5,250–$31,500) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,250 ($2,100–$10,500) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,575 ($840–$3,150) |
| Will Preparation |
$525 ($210–$1,050) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,625 ($1,050–$5,250) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32–$105) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$158 ($79–$263) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$84 ($53–$137) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.31 ($3.15–$5.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.68 ($2.63–$5.25) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.99 ($2.63–$5.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.73 ($3.15–$6.83) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.78 ($4.20–$7.88) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.05 ($0.63–$1.89) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$147 ($84–$263) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$158) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$126) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$105) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($32–$105) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($53–$158) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$210 ($79–$525) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,100 ($1,260–$3,675) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$137) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.40–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$105 ($32–$263) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,260 ($630–$2,625) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,050 ($525–$2,100) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$420 ($210–$735) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26–$105) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,050 ($420–$2,625) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,125 ($5,250–$31,500) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$105 ($53–$210) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$210 ($105–$420) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,407 |
| Toddler | $1,053 |
| Preschool | $1,053 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $959 |
| Toddler | $847 |
| Preschool | $847 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Highfield-Cascade
What is the population of Highfield-Cascade?
Highfield-Cascade has a population of 1,079 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 624 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Highfield-Cascade expensive to live in?
Highfield-Cascade has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $62,857, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $225,600 (20% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Highfield-Cascade safe?
Highfield-Cascade is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 566 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Highfield-Cascade receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Highfield-Cascade?
Highfield-Cascade has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Highfield-Cascade?
The job market in Highfield-Cascade is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,343. There are 7,170 business establishments in the area, including 526 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 44 minutes, and 27.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Highfield-Cascade?
The median home value in Highfield-Cascade is $225,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $392,833. The homeownership rate is 89.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,766.
How are the schools in Highfield-Cascade?
Schools in Highfield-Cascade score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.1% of adults in Highfield-Cascade hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Highfield-Cascade?
The obesity rate in Highfield-Cascade is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 90.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,782.
What is transportation like in Highfield-Cascade?
The average commute in Highfield-Cascade is 44 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 27.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Highfield-Cascade?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Highfield-Cascade is 100% White. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.