Median Income
$65,179
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$146,200
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
120/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.3%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$657
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
32% lower than US avg
How Highland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population934
Median Age42.0 yrs
Density819/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,179
Per Capita$30,575
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty8.4%
County GDP$1,660M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$146,200
Rent$657
Ownership78.1%
Zillow$275,866
Housing Units400
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent120/100K
Property600/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary120/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.0%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,202 ft (366 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.3%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 53%
Commute25 min
Broadband77.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Highland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Highland 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 high obesity rates. 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 $65,179, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 8.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Highland is $146,200, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $657 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x 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 120 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 600 per 100,000, 69% below the national average.
Education
14.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Highland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Highland has a population of 934 with a density of 819 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%), with 3.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Highland is $65,179, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,575 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,065, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 722 business establishments, including 61 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,179 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,575 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,065 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,709 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.4% |
| 32% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 722 |
| County GDP | $1,660M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 78 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,208 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Highland is $146,200, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,866, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $657 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 400 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $6,208 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $146,200 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $275,866 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $102 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $657 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.9% |
| Housing Units | 400 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,208 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.25% |
In Highland, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.9% report binge drinking. 30.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,980. The dentist ratio is 1:1,836. 40.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Highland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.6% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,980 |
| Dentists | 1:1,836 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,261 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,478/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
Highland has a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 120.1, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 600 per 100,000, 69% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 360, burglary at 120, vehicle theft at 120 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 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 | 120.1/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 120.1/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 600.2/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| Burglary | 120.1/100K |
| Theft | 360.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 120.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Highland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,202 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.3°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,202 ft (366 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 819/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0475°N, 90.3801°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Iowa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-County Regional (LNR)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.1"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
424 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 492 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
34 km |
9 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1963 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 2018 BADGER RX BURNS (659 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
2018 BADGER RX BURNS |
659 |
63 km |
| 2019 |
2019 BADGER RX BURNS |
627 |
63 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Highland has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") 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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Highland
What is the population of Highland?
Highland has a population of 934 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 819 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Highland expensive to live in?
Highland is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,179, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $146,200 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $657 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, 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 120 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 600 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Highland?
The job market in Highland is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,065. There are 722 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Highland?
The median home value in Highland is $146,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,866. For renters, the median monthly rent is $657. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,208.
How are the schools in Highland?
Schools in Highland score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.3% of adults in Highland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Highland?
The obesity rate in Highland is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 30.6% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 40.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,980.
What is transportation like in Highland?
The average commute in Highland is 25 minutes. 82.1% 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 95.8% White, 3.2% Black or African American. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
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