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Is Highland a Good Place to Live? Highland, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Highland ranks #1075 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #442 of 524 smaller cities and #146 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1%, #104 of 468), and trails on high unemployment (5.5%, #408 of 476) and high violent crime (490 per 100,000, #365 of 442).
Highland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Highland's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Highland?
Highland's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,629/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $539,248, 29% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Highland | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 106.4#993 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $539,248#879 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,593/mo#938 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $485,600#960 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,629/mo#810 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.3x#1077 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.3%#1030 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Highland housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Highland is in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Highland safe?
Highland recorded 490 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 31% above the US rate of 373 and 11% above California's 440. That ranks #827 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #365 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Highland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,062 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Highland | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 490#827 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,062#246 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Highland?
The median household in Highland earns $77,120, in line with the US figure of $76,827 and 16% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.2%). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Highland | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $77,120#673 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.1%#988 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1%#233 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Highland?
The median resident of Highland is 33.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1072 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Highland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22.7%#1072 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Highland's schools and health?
Highland's 11 public schools graduate 88.7% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.3 students per teacher and $19,335 spent per pupil. 34.1% of adults are obese and 12.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Highland | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88.7%#498 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 22.3#1042 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,335#241 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.1%#709 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.4%#854 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 16.2%#1120 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,712 students are enrolled in Highland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Highland?
The average commute in Highland is 30.4 minutes (California 25.2); 1.2% of workers take transit and 8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Highland scores 11.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #557 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77°F and winters 54°F, with 12.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Highland | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.4 min#1130 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 14%#1203 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.5% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.2% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.7% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 11.3#557 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 66.6 | 41.1 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 67.4 | 42.3 | 3 |
| Mar | 70.9 | 44.6 | 2 |
| Apr | 75.6 | 47.7 | 0.9 |
| May | 80.3 | 52.4 | 0.4 |
| Jun | 88.5 | 56.4 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 95.4 | 62.5 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 96.2 | 62.9 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 92.3 | 59.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 82.9 | 52.9 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 75 | 45.3 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 66.5 | 40.1 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Redlands.
| Measure | Highland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 65.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 77°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 54°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 12.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Redlands.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Highland?
San Bernardino County's air had a median air quality index of 77, and 13% of measured days were rated good; 110 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Bernardino County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.47% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Highland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 77#1108 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 110#1124 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.47%#1263 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for San Bernardino County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Bernardino County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.16% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.22% | 97% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0018% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.033% | 93% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Highland compare with similar-size cities?
Highland is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #442 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 56,675.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland, CAPop. 56,675 | #1075 | 48.4 | $77,120 | $1,629/mo | 490 | 30.4 min |
| Marana, AZPop. 56,938 | #157 | 65.9 | $112,606 | $1,818/mo | 61 | 27.7 min |
| Oak Lawn, ILPop. 56,861 | #318 | 61.7 | $83,911 | $1,335/mo | 73 | 30.8 min |
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #866 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 | 21 min |
| Kyle, TXPop. 56,823 | #366 | 60.7 | $90,323 | $1,752/mo | 135 | 36.4 min |
| Tonawanda Town, NYPop. 56,806 | #168 | 65.4 | $77,679 | $1,102/mo | 140 | 21.3 min |
| Smyrna, TNPop. 56,692 | #483 | 58.3 | $81,926 | $1,461/mo | 333 | 26.3 min |
| Smyrna, GAPop. 56,633 | #190 | 64.8 | $100,061 | $1,739/mo | 240 | 29.8 min |
| Coeur d'Alene, IDPop. 56,447 | #408 | 59.9 | $72,338 | $1,468/mo | 235 | 18.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Highland compare with the rest of California?
Highland ranks #146 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 48.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 16% below the California median. Violent crime is 11% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| El Monte, CAPop. 106,109 | … #142 | 48.7 | $68,030 | $1,736/mo | 410 |
| Rialto, CAPop. 104,143 | #143 | 48.5 | $88,857 | $1,759/mo | 583 |
| Chico, CAPop. 102,188 | #144 | 48.5 | $66,977 | $1,488/mo | 664 |
| Yuba City, CAPop. 69,471 | #145 | 48.5 | $75,477 | $1,454/mo | 399 |
| Highland, CAPop. 56,675 | #146 | 48.4 | $77,120 | $1,629/mo | 490 |
| Colton, CAPop. 53,772 | #147 | 48.2 | $71,208 | $1,661/mo | 345 |
| Gardena, CAPop. 59,422 | #148 | 48.0 | $84,803 | $1,809/mo | 616 |
| Pico Rivera, CAPop. 60,272 | #149 | 47.9 | $88,201 | $1,786/mo | 480 |
| Santa Maria, CAPop. 110,462 | #150 | 47.8 | $84,746 | $1,925/mo | 624 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Highland among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Highland's score calculated?
Highland scores 48.4 out of 100, #1075 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Highland. Similar-size median 55.5.
44.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Highland's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
68.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Highland. Similar-size median 58.9.
49.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Highland's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Highland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
53.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Highland. Similar-size median 56.1.
42.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Highland. Similar-size median 42.4.
45.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Highland. Similar-size median 50.0.
32.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Highland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
54.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
2.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Highland's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Highland has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Highland
Is Highland, CA a good place to live?
Highland ranks #1075 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #442 of 524 smaller cities and #146 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1%, #104 of 468), and trails on high unemployment (5.5%, #408 of 476) and high violent crime (490 per 100,000, #365 of 442).
What is the cost of living in Highland?
Highland's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,629/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $539,248, 29% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Highland?
Highland recorded 490 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 31% above the US rate of 373 and 11% above California's 440. That ranks #827 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #365 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Highland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,062 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Highland?
The median household in Highland earns $77,120, in line with the US figure of $76,827 and 16% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.2%). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Highland?
Median rent in Highland is $1,629/mo (Census), #810 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,593/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Highland?
Zillow's typical home value in Highland is $539,248, up 1.6% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $485,600.
How are the public schools in Highland?
Highland's 11 public schools graduate 88.7% of students in four years (California 85%), with 22.3 students per teacher and $19,335 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Highland?
The average commute is 30.4 minutes, #1130 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 14% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Highland?
Highland averages 65.2°F over the year, 77°F in summer and 54°F in winter, with 12.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Highland walkable?
Highland scores 11.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #557 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Highland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Bernardino County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and landslide, with expected yearly losses of 0.47% of building value, higher than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Highland?
San Bernardino County's air had a median air quality index of 77, and 13% of measured days were rated good; 110 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Highland?
Highland has 56,675 residents. The median resident of Highland is 33.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1072 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Highland compare with the rest of California?
Highland ranks #146 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 48.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 16% below the California median. Violent crime is 11% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Highland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Highland's population of 56,675 are Marana, AZ (#157 overall), Oak Lawn, IL (#318 overall), Albany, OR (#866 overall), Kyle, TX (#366 overall), and Tonawanda Town, NY (#168 overall). Highland is #1075.