Highlands County, Florida Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 36th-largest in Florida
The population of Highlands County, Florida is 103,808 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 36th-largest county in Florida. The median household income is $55,581, the median home value is $177,900, and the median age is 54.2.
The population of Highlands County has grown 11.3% since 2010 (98,637 → 109,778), a +0.77% annualized rate.
103,808
Population
+0.77%
Annual growth
102
People / sq mi
$55,581
Median Income
$177,900
Median Home Value
Highlands County covers 1,018 sq mi of land at 102.0 people per square mile.
About Highlands County, FL
Highlands County skews on age — the median resident is 54.2, older than the national median. With 103,808 residents, Highlands County is a county in Florida. It ranks #36 among counties in Florida by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $55,581, below the US median of $78,538. About 11.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $177,900, with typical rent around $980.
19.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 7.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Highlands County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Highlands County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Highlands County had a population of 98,637 in 2010 and 109,778 in 2024, a 11.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 109,778 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.78%.
109,778
Population (2024)
98,637
Population (2010)
109,778
Peak (2024)
0.78%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 98,637 |
| 2011 | 98,493 |
| 2012 | 98,244 |
| 2013 | 98,118 |
| 2014 | 98,636 |
| 2015 | 100,204 |
| 2016 | 102,058 |
| 2017 | 103,828 |
| 2018 | 104,453 |
| 2019 | 105,890 |
| 2020 | 101,340 |
| 2021 | 103,286 |
| 2022 | 105,954 |
| 2023 | 108,151 |
| 2024 | 109,778 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.6% |
| Black or African American | 9.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
54.2
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
36.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.8% · Seniors (65+): 36.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $55,581$-16,130 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,590 |
| Per-capita income | $32,982 |
| Poverty rate | 11.4%+2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 40.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Highlands County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
75.9%
Public transit
7.6%
Work from home
23.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$177,900$-147,100 vs state
Median home value
$980
Median rent
78.9%
Homeownership rate
58,086
Total housing units
79.1%
Occupied
20.9%
Vacant
21.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.3%
With health insurance
93.3%
With broadband internet
47.3%
Foreign-born
11.0%
Veterans (18+)
21.8%
With a disability
79.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.4%
High School+
19.7%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Florida
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Highlands County, Florida has a population of 103,808 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 36th-largest county in Florida. Population density is 102 people per square mile.
The population of Highlands County has grown 11.3% since 2010 (98,637 → 109,778), a +0.77% annualized rate.
The median household income in Highlands County, Florida is $55,581, with mean (average) household income of $72,590 and per-capita income of $32,982. 11.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Highlands County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.6%), Black or African American (9.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Highlands County, Florida is 54.2 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Highlands County is $177,900 and median monthly rent is $980. 78.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 58,086 total housing units, 20.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Highlands County, Florida is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Jacksonville is among the largest cities associated with Highlands County, Florida, with a population of 961,739.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.