Median Income
$83,229
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$263,500
7% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.3%
5% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.1%
153% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How The Highlands Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population474
Median Age56.4 yrs
Density460/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$83,229
Per Capita$74,346
Unemployment9.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,636M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$263,500
Ownership91.6%
Zillow$143,680
Housing Units230
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured3.6%
Smoking15.3%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain28.3 in/yr
Elevation1,689 ft (515 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.3%
High School+99.0%
Graduate+13.3%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute23 min
Broadband97.6%
EV Stations10
Libraries6
Is The Highlands a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, The Highlands receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. The Highlands stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in The Highlands is $83,229, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 9.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in The Highlands is $263,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
The Highlands enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.3 inches, including 6.9 inches of snow.
The Highlands has a population of 474 with a density of 460 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 56.4 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57% female and 43% male. The city is predominantly White (98.3%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
474
Total Population
2023 Census
56.4yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
The Highlands vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
The Highlands vs U.S. Average
The median household income in The Highlands is $83,229, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $74,346 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,135, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 974 business establishments, including 75 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: The Highlands vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,229 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $74,346 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,135 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,497 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.1% |
| 153% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 974 |
| County GDP | $2,636M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 75 |
| Healthcare | 93 |
| Retail | 109 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,206 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in The Highlands is $263,500, 7% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,680, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 230 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1999. The average annual property tax is $4,206 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $263,500 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $143,680 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.4% |
| Housing Units | 230 |
| Median Year Built | 1999 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,206 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.60% |
In The Highlands, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 23.0% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 3.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,436. The dentist ratio is 1:2,001. 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: The Highlands vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 3.6% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,436 |
| Dentists | 1:2,001 |
| Mental Health | 1:912 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,868/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 93 |
The Highlands enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,689 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,689 ft (515 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 460/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1659°N, 97.9496°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McPherson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hutchinson Regional (HUT)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.3"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.75"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,081 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Jan 31, 2022 |
7 km NW of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
147 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
16 km |
| Jul 20, 2015 |
7 km SSE of Byron, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
150 km |
| Jan 26, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Feb 19, 2021 |
6 km SW of Manchester, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
134 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
16 km |
| Aug 14, 2015 |
6 km WNW of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
149 km |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
3 km SW of Danville, Kansas |
M4.1 |
100 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
18 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 |
4 km ENE of South Haven, Kansas |
M4.0 |
133 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
120 km |
| Sep 6, 2016 |
6 km N of Wakita, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
137 km |
| Sep 20, 2016 |
6 km NNE of Wakita, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
137 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
111 km |
| Mar 3, 2015 |
4 km W of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Dec 16, 2013 |
10 km SE of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
116 km |
| Feb 26, 2019 |
0 km SW of Wakita, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Mar 6, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Byron, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Aug 22, 2015 |
9 km WNW of Medford, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Sep 6, 2016 |
4 km NNW of Wakita, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
818 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 49 fatalities, 632 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF5 |
88 km |
17 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF5 |
46 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF5 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1969 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1958 |
EF4 |
89 km |
15 |
| Jun 8, 1950 |
EF4 |
18 km |
1 |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2015 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2012 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (14,832 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
BURMAC |
10,668 |
26 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,987 |
6 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,105 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
SMOKY HILL AIR FORCE RANGE |
7,665 |
61 km |
| 2017 |
HIGHLANDS |
7,418 |
3 km |
| 2022 |
COTTONWOOD COMPLEX |
6,487 |
23 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,406 |
39 km |
| 2006 |
TWELTH STREET |
6,282 |
27 km |
| 2018 |
RICE COUNTY |
5,504 |
10 km |
| 2011 |
JORDEN SPRINGS |
5,488 |
38 km |
| 2016 |
TAMPA |
4,993 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
WHEAT STATE |
4,847 |
28 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,558 |
37 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,532 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
BOILING SPRINGS |
4,299 |
50 km |
| 1989 |
SLEEPER |
4,269 |
48 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,113 |
62 km |
| 2010 |
BIG SALT MARSH |
3,960 |
50 km |
| 1991 |
ROAD 484 |
3,626 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
The Highlands has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 32°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in The Highlands. 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 The Highlands
What is the population of The Highlands?
The Highlands has a population of 474 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 460 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57% female and 43% male.
Is The Highlands expensive to live in?
The Highlands 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 $83,229, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $263,500 (7% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in The Highlands?
The Highlands enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 28.3 inches, with 6.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in The Highlands?
The job market in The Highlands faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,135. There are 974 business establishments in the area, including 75 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in The Highlands?
The median home value in The Highlands is $263,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,680. The homeownership rate is 91.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,206.
How are the schools in The Highlands?
Schools in The Highlands score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.3% of adults in The Highlands hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school. 13.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is The Highlands?
The obesity rate in The Highlands is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 3.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,436.
What is transportation like in The Highlands?
The average commute in The Highlands is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of The Highlands?
The racial and ethnic makeup of The Highlands is 98.3% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.