Highlands borough, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Highlands borough, New Jersey has a total population of 4,575, the 314th largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $90,082, which is 11% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Unemployment rate of 9.6% is notably above the national average.
Highlands borough Quick Facts
How Highlands borough Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Highlands borough Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Monmouth County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Branch city | 32,184 | $73,381 | 16.2% | $519,000 |
| Tinton Falls borough | 19,252 | $113,844 | 8.6% | $458,300 |
| Asbury Park city | 15,239 | $71,080 | 18.8% | $508,800 |
| Eatontown borough | 13,537 | $90,174 | 5.8% | $454,300 |
| Red Bank borough | 12,864 | $101,738 | 8.9% | $477,000 |
| Freehold borough | 12,504 | $82,183 | 14.3% | $401,900 |
| Keansburg borough | 9,729 | $87,484 | 11.4% | $274,500 |
| Matawan borough | 9,636 | $122,026 | 10.1% | $447,000 |
| West Long Branch borough | 8,576 | $123,661 | 2.8% | $631,300 |
| Rumson borough | 7,265 | $250,001 | 3.2% | $1,609,400 |
Cities Similar to Highlands borough
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Ephraim borough | 4,648 | $95,137 | $223,800 | 23.1% | 8.9% |
| Oak Valley CDP | 4,374 | $90,563 | $226,000 | 18.4% | 16.1% |
| Neptune City borough | 4,607 | $82,872 | $383,600 | 29.0% | 18.2% |
| Magnolia borough | 4,360 | $89,489 | $221,100 | 34.0% | 5.3% |
| Blackwood CDP | 4,615 | $81,154 | $231,000 | 20.8% | 11.2% |
Population Overview
Highlands borough is a small community located in New Jersey, within Monmouth County. The total population is 4,575. It ranks as the 314th most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Highlands borough is 49.3 years. This is 23% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. Only 14.3% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 12.3% 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 borough is $90,082. This is 11% lower than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 15% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.6%. This is 22% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. The unemployment rate is 9.6%. This is 56% higher than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $394,800. Housing costs are 8% lower than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x. 63.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Highlands borough is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.6%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (81.0% vs 51.9%). The Black or African American population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 12.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (6.6%) is well below the state average of 21.9%.
Education
53.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 25% higher than the state rate of 42.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.7%. Notably, 26.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Highlands borough, New Jersey is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New Jersey state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Highlands borough, New Jersey?
Highlands borough, New Jersey has a population of 4,575 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Highlands borough, NJ?
The median household income in Highlands borough is $90,082, which is 15% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Highlands borough, NJ?
The poverty rate in Highlands borough is 7.6%. This means approximately 349 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Highlands borough, New Jersey?
Highlands borough's population is 81.0% White, 2.2% Black, 6.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 5.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Highlands borough, NJ?
The median home value in Highlands borough is $394,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
How educated is Highlands borough, New Jersey?
53.7% of adults (25+) in Highlands borough hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 26.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.