Highland County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 133rd-largest in Virginia
The population of Highland County, Virginia is 2,265 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 133rd-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $62,946, the median home value is $195,700, and the median age is 57.1.
The population of Highland County has grown 2.2% since 2010 (2,297 → 2,348), a +0.16% annualized rate.
2,265
Population
+0.16%
Annual growth
5
People / sq mi
$62,946
Median Income
$195,700
Median Home Value
Highland County covers 415 sq mi of land at 5.5 people per square mile.
About Highland County, VA
Highland County is a county in Virginia with a population of 2,265. It ranks #133 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 57.1, older than the national median. The population is 44.9% male and 55.1% female.
The median household income in Highland County is $62,946, below the US median of $74,580. 3.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $195,700, with monthly rent averaging $859. The homeownership rate of 88.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Highland County reflects 35.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 22.5% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.1 minutes each way.
Highland County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Highland County had a population of 2,297 in 2010 and 2,348 in 2024, a 2.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,351 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.17%.
2,348
Population (2024)
2,297
Population (2010)
2,351
Peak (2023)
0.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,297 |
| 2011 | 2,260 |
| 2012 | 2,234 |
| 2013 | 2,205 |
| 2014 | 2,238 |
| 2015 | 2,196 |
| 2016 | 2,213 |
| 2017 | 2,215 |
| 2018 | 2,206 |
| 2019 | 2,176 |
| 2020 | 2,240 |
| 2021 | 2,240 |
| 2022 | 2,303 |
| 2023 | 2,351 |
| 2024 | 2,348 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
57.1
Median Age
55.1%
Female
44.9%
Male
34.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 10.9% · Seniors (65+): 34.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,946$-28,028 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,984 |
| Per-capita income | $35,262 |
| Poverty rate | 3.6%-3.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 8.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Highland County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.4%
Carpool
71.8%
Public transit
22.5%
Work from home
24.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$195,700$-165,000 vs state
Median home value
$859
Median rent
88.1%
Homeownership rate
1,839
Total housing units
54.5%
Occupied
45.5%
Vacant
11.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.8%
With health insurance
80.7%
With broadband internet
21.2%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
19.2%
With a disability
98.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.3%
High School+
35.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Highland County, Virginia has a population of 2,265 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 133rd-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 5 people per square mile.
The population of Highland County has grown 2.2% since 2010 (2,297 → 2,348), a +0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Highland County, Virginia is $62,946, with mean (average) household income of $76,984 and per-capita income of $35,262. 3.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Highland County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Highland County, Virginia is 57.1 years. Residents are 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
The median home value in Highland County is $195,700 and median monthly rent is $859. 88.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,839 total housing units, 45.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Highland County, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 8.4%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Highland County, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
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Full rankings of Virginia counties
Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.