Median Income
$27,582
63% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,800
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$691
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.5%
51% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.2%
156% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
34.2%
176% higher than US avg
How Highland Park Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,798
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density2,962/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 10%
Economy
F
Median Income$27,582
Per Capita$25,060
Unemployment9.2%
Poverty34.2%
County GDP$129,920M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,800
Rent$691
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity48.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease8.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F
AQI38 (Good)
Rain29.9 in/yr
Elevation637 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+84.0%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 34% / D 63%
Commute24 min
Libraries57
Is Highland Park a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Highland Park receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Highland Park has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Highland Park is $27,582, 63% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 34.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Highland Park is $75,800, 73% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $691 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Highland Park experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Highland Park has a population of 8,798 with a density of 2,962 people per square mile. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (85.8%), with 9.5% White, 1.5% Hispanic.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Highland Park vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 96.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Spanish | 3.6% |
| 73% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Highland Park vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Highland Park is $27,582, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 9.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 34.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Income: Highland Park vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,582 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,060 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,469 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,888 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.2% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 34.2% |
| 176% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 36,727 |
| County GDP | $129,920M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3,598 |
| Healthcare | 4,243 |
| Retail | 5,675 |
| Manufacturing | 1,388 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,671 |
| 91% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |
The median home value in Highland Park is $75,800, 73% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $691 (41% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $75,800 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Median List Price | $129,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $129,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $27 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.4% |
| Price Drops | 40.5% |
| Inventory | 42 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $691 |
| 41% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,671 |
| 91% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.80% |
In Highland Park, 48.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.3% report depression. 40.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Highland Park vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.5% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.2% |
| Heart Disease | 8.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 48.9% |
| Asthma | 14.7% |
| COPD | 12.1% |
| Stroke | 6.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 11.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.5% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 23.8% |
| Physical Distress | 18.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 82.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,684/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 96.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4,243 |
Crime Rates: Highland Park vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 201 |
Safety Score
Highland Park has an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 29.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 29.9 inches |
| 21% below US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 637 ft (194 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,962/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4052°N, 83.0977°W |
| County FIPS | 26163 |