Median Income
$77,500
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$121,800
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.4%
23% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$578
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How Highland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,047
Median Age20.7 yrs
Density1,975/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$77,500
Per Capita$18,881
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$352M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,800
Rent$578
Ownership78.6%
Zillow$167,107
Housing Units308
Rent Burden20.7%
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking15.7%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain36.8 in/yr
Elevation1,036 ft (316 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.4%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+22.4%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute12 min
Broadband86.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Highland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Highland receives an overall livability score of 4.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Highland stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Highland is $77,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Highland is $121,800, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $578 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Highland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches, including 21.1 inches of snow.
Highland has a population of 1,047 with a density of 1,975 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 20.7 years, 47% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.8% female and 60.2% male. The city is predominantly White (70.5%), with 3.7% Hispanic, 19.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91% of residents, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,047
Total Population
2023 Census
20.7yrs
Median Age
47% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.0%
16% above US avg
Spanish
8.2%
39% below US avg
The median household income in Highland is $77,500, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,881 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 234 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,500 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,881 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,094 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 234 |
| County GDP | $352M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,300 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Highland is $121,800, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,107, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $339,500 with homes selling in an average of 184 days. Homes sell for 95.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $578 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 308 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $2,300 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $121,800 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,107 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $339,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $339,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $110 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 184 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $578 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.4% |
| Housing Units | 308 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,300 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.89% |
In Highland, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,868. 22.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Highland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,868 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,493 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,807/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 22.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Highland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches. The area receives 21.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,036 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,036 ft (316 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,975/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8604°N, 95.2653°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Doniphan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.8"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.13"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
89 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
45 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
77 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
98 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
586 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 470 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
87 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
96 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OAKS (5,673 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
95 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
74 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
28 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
28 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
28 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
27 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
25 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
25 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Highland has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 27°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.0").
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) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Highland
What is the population of Highland?
Highland has a population of 1,047 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,975 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.8% female and 60.2% male.
Is Highland expensive to live in?
Highland is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $77,500, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,800 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $578 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Highland?
Highland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 36.8 inches, with 21.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Highland?
The job market in Highland is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 234 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Highland?
The median home value in Highland is $121,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,107. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $339,500, with homes typically selling within 184 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $578. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,300.
How are the schools in Highland?
Schools in Highland score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.4% of adults in Highland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 22.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Highland?
The obesity rate in Highland is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 22.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,868.
What is transportation like in Highland?
The average commute in Highland is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Highland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Highland is 70.5% White, 19.6% Black or African American, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 91% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.