Median Income
$77,886
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$185,800
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
92/100K
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.3%
7% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$776
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Highland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,268
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density1,434/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$77,886
Per Capita$42,790
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$16,575M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$185,800
Rent$776
Ownership71.5%
Zillow$262,587
Housing Units4,898
Rent Burden27.4%
Crime
F
Violent92/100K
Property935/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault81/100K
Burglary61/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking12.3%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain43.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation550 ft (168 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.3%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score5.29
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 42%
Commute26 min
Broadband93.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries19
Is Highland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Highland receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Highland offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Highland is $77,886, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Highland is $185,800, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $776 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Highland is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 92 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 935 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
31.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Highland enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.4 inches, including 11.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Highland has a population of 10,268 with a density of 1,434 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (92.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
The median household income in Highland is $77,886, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,790. The average weekly wage is $1,099, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,398 business establishments, including 627 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 10.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,886 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,790 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,099 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,601 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,398 |
| County GDP | $16,575M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 627 |
| Healthcare | 682 |
| Retail | 741 |
| Manufacturing | 169 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,460 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 10.1% |
The median home value in Highland is $185,800, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,587, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 102.8% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $776 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,898 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $6,460 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $185,800 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $262,587 |
| Median List Price | $241,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $241,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $134 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.8% |
| Price Drops | 30.8% |
| Inventory | 26 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $776 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.5% |
| Housing Units | 4,898 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,460 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.48% |
In Highland, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 12.3% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 18.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,099. The dentist ratio is 1:1,035. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
5.6
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
6.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
4.3
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.4
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
144.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Highland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.3% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,099 |
| Dentists | 1:1,035 |
| Mental Health | 1:376 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,159/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 682 |
Highland has a violent crime rate of 92 per 100,000 residents, 76% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 81.3 per 100,000, robbery at 10.2, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 935 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 834, burglary at 61, vehicle theft at 41 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 34 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Highland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Highland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 91.5/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 10.2/100K |
| Assault | 81.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 935.3/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| Burglary | 61.0/100K |
| Theft | 833.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 40.7/100K |
| Arson | 10.2/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 34 |
| Traffic Accidents | 55 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Highland enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°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 43.4 inches. The area receives 11.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 550 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.7°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 550 ft (168 m) |
| Area | 7.6 sq mi (19.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,434/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7698°N, 89.6861°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.4"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0502 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.30 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
46 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
131 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
46 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
121 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
100 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
134 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
78 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
64 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
41 km |
| Jan 23, 1991 |
3 km WSW of Logan, Illinois |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| Feb 28, 1994 |
5 km NW of Harrison, Illinois |
M3.0 |
108 km |
| Jun 27, 2005 |
6 km E of Grand Tower, Illinois |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
72 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
70 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
130 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
76 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
26 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
636 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 61 fatalities, 1,141 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
86 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
44 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
76 km |
3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
84 km |
21 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
32 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Highland has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 33°F in February to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Highland. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,248 |
| Toddler | $1,018 |
| Preschool | $902 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $675 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Highland
What is the population of Highland?
Highland has a population of 10,268 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,434 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Highland expensive to live in?
Highland has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $77,886, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $185,800 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $776 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Highland safe?
Highland is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 92 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 935 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Highland receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Highland?
Highland enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.4 inches, with 11.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Highland?
The job market in Highland is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,099. There are 5,398 business establishments in the area, including 627 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 10.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Highland?
The median home value in Highland is $185,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,587. For renters, the median monthly rent is $776. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,460.
How are the schools in Highland?
Schools in Highland score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.3% of adults in Highland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Highland?
The obesity rate in Highland is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.3% of adults are smokers. 18.6% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,099.
What is transportation like in Highland?
The average commute in Highland is 26 minutes. 81.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Highland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Highland is 92.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
