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Highlands East, ON

Ontario

Highlands East is a small town in Ontario with a population of 3,830. Residents earn $63,600 per year, which is 15% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.5 /5.0
C+ Fair
3,830 Population 15/sq mi density
$63,600 Median Income $39,600 per capita
$400,000 Home Value
$930 Median Rent 18.4% income on rent
40°F Avg Temperature 266 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.5 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$63,600 median income, 14.9% unemployment
B
Affordability
3.1 / 5.0
$400,000 home value, $930/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
D
Education
1.7 / 5.0
8.6% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Highlands East, ON

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $63,600
15% lower than US avg
Home Value $400,000
42% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 8.6%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent $930
20% lower than US avg
Unemployment 14.9%
314% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 17.4%
40% higher than US avg

How Highlands East Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population3,830
Median Age58.8 yrs
Density15/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

C+
Median Income$63,600
Per Capita$39,600
Unemployment14.9%
Poverty17.4%
Commute30 min

Housing

B
Home Value$400,000
Rent$930
Ownership88.8%
Housing Units1,875
Rent Burden18.4%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days266/yr
Elevation1,342 ft (409 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+8.6%
High School+33.3%
Graduate+3.6%

Community

Commute30 min

Is Highlands East a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Highlands East receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Highlands East has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Highlands East is $63,600, 15% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Highlands East is $400,000, 42% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.3x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

8.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 33.3% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Highlands East has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 266 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 15.1 inches of snow.

Highlands East has a population of 3,830 with a density of 15 people per square mile, spread across 265.7 square miles. The median age is 58.8 years, 51% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents.

Population

3,830
Total Population
15
People / sq mi
58.8yrs
Median Age
51% above US avg
265.7mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 53%
Female 47.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Highlands East vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish 0.9%
93% below US avg
Other Languages 4.7%

Social Characteristics

Highlands East vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Highlands East is $63,600, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,600. The average weekly wage is $762, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 119 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 33.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Highlands East vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$63,600
15% below US avg
Per Capita Income$39,600
Avg Weekly Wage$762

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment14.9%
314% above US avg
Poverty Rate17.4%
40% above US avg
Establishments (County)119

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time30.1 min
Drive Alone89.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home33.5%

Walkability

The median home value in Highlands East is $400,000, 42% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $930 (20% below the national average of $1,163). 88.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,875 total housing units in the city. 18.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.3x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$400,000
42% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$930
20% below US avg
Rent Burden18.4%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership88.8%
Owner-Occupied88.8%
Renter-Occupied11.2%
Housing Units1,875

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Highlands East receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Highlands East vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Highlands East has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 266 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 38.4 inches. The area receives 15.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,342 feet.

Temperature

13°F Jan (-11°C) 65°F Jul (18°C)
Annual Average40.3°F
25% below US avg
January Average13°F (-11°C)
July Average65°F (18°C)
Sunny Days266 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,342 ft (409 m)
Area265.7 sq mi (688.2 km²)
Population Density15/sq mi
Coordinates44.9731°N, 78.2581°W
TimezoneAmerica/Toronto

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 38.4"
1% above US avg
Snowfall 15.1"
Wettest Month (Nov) 3.78"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.40"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.0 on May 8, 2018.

Dec 25, 1998 23 km SE of Cobourg, Canada M3.6 130 km
Oct 20, 2013 34 km SSW of Petawawa, Canada M3.6 95 km
May 14, 2016 8 km NW of Petawawa, Canada M3.5 130 km
May 28, 2002 11 km WNW of Shawville, Canada M3.4 148 km
May 24, 2000 4 km ENE of Centennial Scarborough, Canada M3.1 146 km
Oct 3, 2009 18 km NNE of Pembroke, Canada M3.1 147 km
May 8, 2018 14 km SSE of Ajax, Canada M3.0 148 km
Aug 4, 2004 30 km SSW of Cobourg, Canada M3.0 142 km
Nov 7, 2002 13 km SSW of Belleville, Canada M3.0 122 km
Jul 19, 2007 27 km S of Cobourg, Canada M3.0 140 km
Jul 27, 2014 13 km SW of Pembroke, Canada M2.9 116 km
Jul 29, 2012 17 km SSW of Parry Sound, Canada M2.5 146 km
May 17, 2010 19 km WNW of Gravenhurst, Canada M2.5 103 km
Feb 13, 2014 34 km N of Lyndonville, New York M2.5 149 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 13°F (-11°C) 3.1 in Coldest
February 15°F (-9°C) 2.4 in Driest
March 25°F (-4°C) 2.6 in
April 39°F (4°C) 2.7 in
May 52°F (11°C) 3.5 in
June 61°F (16°C) 3.6 in
July 65°F (18°C) 3.1 in Warmest
August 63°F (17°C) 3.4 in
September 55°F (13°C) 3.7 in
October 44°F (7°C) 3.4 in
November 32°F (0°C) 3.8 in Wettest
December 19°F (-7°C) 3.2 in

Highlands East has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 13°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (2.4").

View full weather details →
8.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 74% below the national average of 33.7%. 33.3% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 89.4% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+8.6%
74% below US avg
High School+33.3%
Graduate Degree+3.6%
D Education Grade (1.7/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density15/sq mi
Total Area265.7 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute30.1 min
Drive Alone89.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home33.5%

Schools in Highlands East

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Wilberforce Elementary School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Highlands East

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CFZN-FM "93.5 Moose FM" Haliburton, ON adult contemporary, oldies AAC+ 57 kbps

Libraries in Highlands East

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Haliburton County Public Library - Cardiff Branch0.0
Haliburton County Public Library - Gooderham Branch0.0
Haliburton County Public Library - Wilberforce Branch0.0
North Kawartha Public Library - Apsley Branch0.0
Trent Lakes Public Library - Helen Bowen Branch0.0

Monuments in Highlands East

1 monuments within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost

Gas Stations in Highlands East

3 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Not Just Gas
South Algonquin Country Store
Wilberforce Service Centre

Ski Resorts Near Highlands East

2 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Kawartha Nordic 0.0 - - $0 - - -
Madawaska Mountain 0.0 - - $0 - - -

Airports Near Highlands East

23 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Peterborough Regional AirportYPQMedium Airport
Bancroft Community Airport-Small Airport
Bobcaygeon / Chesher Lakehurst Airport-Small Airport
Bonnie Brae Airfield-Small Airport
Cameron/Arbour Airfield-Small Airport
Collins Field-Small Airport
Dave Carlaw Strip-Small Airport
Dimkovski Airpark-Small Airport
Douro Airfield-Small Airport
Dunsford Airport-Small Airport
Dwight Airport-Small Airport
Elmhirst's Resort Airport-Small Airport
Hastings / Sweetwater Farms Airport-Small Airport
Kawartha Lakes Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Kirkfield / Balsam Lake Airfield-Small Airport
Lorneville Airstrip-Small Airport
Madawaska Valley Airpark-Small Airport
Omemee Airport-Small Airport
Palestine Airport-Small Airport
Stanhope Municipal Airport-Small Airport
Stirling Airport-Small Airport
Stirling Private Aerodrome-Small Airport
Whistlewing Airstrip-Small Airport

Post Offices in Highlands East

3 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Canada Post
Canada Post
Harcourt Post Office

Churches & Religious Organizations in Highlands East

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Essonville Historic Church

Explore Near Highlands East

UFO Sightings
1
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Highlands East.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Highlands East

What is the population of Highlands East?

Highlands East has a population of 3,830 residents and is located in Ontario. The population density is 15 people per square mile, spread across 265.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.1% female and 53% male.

Is Highlands East expensive to live in?

The median household income is $63,600, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $400,000 (42% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Highlands East safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Highlands East receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Highlands East?

Highlands East has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 266 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 15.1 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Highlands East?

The job market in Highlands East faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $762. There are 119 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 33.5% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Highlands East?

The median home value in Highlands East is $400,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $930. The homeownership rate is 88.8%.

How are the schools in Highlands East?

8.6% of adults in Highlands East hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 33.3% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Highlands East?

The average commute in Highlands East is 30 minutes. 89.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 33.5% work from home.

What are the demographics of Highlands East?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Highlands East is 98.7% White, 0.9% Asian. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Haliburton Village, ON 1,149 pop · 13.3 mi Dysart et al, ON 7,182 pop · 17.2 mi North Kawartha, ON 2,877 pop · 17.7 mi Faraday, ON 1,612 pop · 18.9 mi Bancroft, ON 4,065 pop · 20.4 mi Trent Lakes, ON 6,439 pop · 22.9 mi Minden Hills, ON 6,971 pop · 23.1 mi Hastings Highlands, ON 4,385 pop · 23.7 mi Greenview No. 16, AB 8,584 pop · 28.4 mi Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, ON 5,083 pop · 32.4 mi Bobcaygeon, ON 3,576 pop · 32.6 mi Selwyn, ON 18,653 pop · 35.2 mi Algonquin Highlands, ON 2,588 pop · 35.5 mi Marmora and Lake, ON 4,267 pop · 35.6 mi
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