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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Highland County: 88.1% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 2,265 residents, Highland County is a county in Virginia.
The typical household here earns about $62,946, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 3.6%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $195,700, with typical rent around $859.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 35.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 22.5% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Highland County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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.
Highland County, VA Climate
Highland County, VA has an average annual temperature of 9°C (48°F) and receives about 1114 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9°C
Avg Temp
1114
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 79 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 79 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 97 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 94 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 105 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 94 mm |
| July | 20° / 67° | 106 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 91 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 92 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 99 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 93 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 85 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Highland County, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Highland County, VA are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Highland County
Visiting or relocating to Highland County, VA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Highland County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Highland County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Highland County, VA by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Virginia
Population 1,144,474
Population 484,625
Population 457,066
Population 427,082
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.