Highlands County, Florida Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Highlands County is located in Florida with a total population of 103,808. It is the 36th most populous county out of 67 in Florida.

Age Demographics

The median age in Highlands County is 54.2 years. This is 27% higher than the state median of 42.6 years. 18.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Highlands County is $55,581. This is 22% lower than the state median of $71,711. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%. This is 22% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 5.9%. This is 22% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $177,900. Housing costs are 45% lower than the state median of $325,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x. 78.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% higher than the state average of 67.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Highlands County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 64.2% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 21.5%.

Education

19.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 41% lower than the state rate of 33.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.4%.