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+
Largest cities in Florida
Other counties in 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.
Highlands County, FL Climate
Highlands County, FL has an average annual temperature of 22.6°C (73°F) and receives about 1196 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
22.6°C
Avg Temp
1196
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16° / 62° | 49 mm |
| February | 17° / 63° | 65 mm |
| March | 20° / 67° | 74 mm |
| April | 22° / 71° | 42 mm |
| May | 25° / 76° | 98 mm |
| June | 27° / 80° | 201 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 180 mm |
| August | 28° / 82° | 174 mm |
| September | 27° / 81° | 159 mm |
| October | 24° / 76° | 65 mm |
| November | 21° / 69° | 48 mm |
| December | 18° / 64° | 41 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 Highlands County, FL
The most comfortable months to visit Highlands County, FL are typically November, April and March, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 10°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Highlands County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.