ColoradoPop. 102,257Mid-size cities
Is Highlands Ranch a Good Place to Live? Highlands Ranch, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Highlands Ranch ranks #109 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #13 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (2.9%, #1 of 256) and high household income ($159,307, #5 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,531/mo, #245 of 256) and expensive homes ($712,700, #219 of 256).
Highlands Ranch by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Highlands Ranch's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Highlands Ranch: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Highlands Ranch safe?
What is the cost of living in Highlands Ranch?
Highlands Ranch's cost of living index is 105.8, 6% above the US level of 100 and #981 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,531/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $694,234, 30% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Highlands Ranch | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 105.8#981 of 1,308 | 103.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $694,234#1008 of 1,187 | $532,748 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,597/mo#939 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $712,700#1156 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,531/mo#1252 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.1%#344 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Colorado 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.
Highlands Ranch 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. Highlands Ranch is in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Highlands Ranch safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Highlands Ranch alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Highlands Ranch crime rate or rank it on safety. Colorado as a whole records 422 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Highlands Ranch?
The median household in Highlands Ranch earns $159,307, 92% above the US figure of $83,163 and 64% above Colorado ($97,113). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Highlands Ranch | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $159,307#32 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 2.9%#14 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Highlands Ranch?
The median resident of Highlands Ranch is 41.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 67.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #64 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Highlands Ranch | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 41.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 67.8%#64 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 78.1% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Highlands Ranch's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Highlands Ranch; its public schools have 17.8 students per teacher and spend $12,942 per pupil. 24.8% of adults are obese and 6.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Highlands Ranch | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.8#816 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,942#836 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 24.8%#133 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 6.7%#42 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 13.8%#117 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 5.5%#106 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 20,106 students are enrolled in Highlands Ranch's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Highlands Ranch?
The average commute in Highlands Ranch is 24.2 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 0.7% of workers take transit and 33% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Highlands Ranch scores 11 of 20 (above average walkable), #585 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.1°F and winters 32.1°F, with 15 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Highlands Ranch | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 24.2 min#711 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.1%#587 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 61% | 65.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 2.7% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 33% | 19.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11#585 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Colorado 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 | 44.6 | 19 | 0.4 |
| Feb | 45.7 | 20.3 | 0.4 |
| Mar | 54.3 | 27.3 | 1 |
| Apr | 59.8 | 33.7 | 1.9 |
| May | 68.7 | 42.7 | 2 |
| Jun | 81.2 | 52.2 | 2 |
| Jul | 87.3 | 58.6 | 1.8 |
| Aug | 84.5 | 57 | 2.3 |
| Sep | 77.1 | 48.6 | 1.3 |
| Oct | 63.9 | 36.1 | 1 |
| Nov | 52.4 | 26.2 | 0.5 |
| Dec | 44 | 18.8 | 0.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Denver Centennial Airport.
| Measure | Highlands Ranch | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 50.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 70.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 32.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 15 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Denver Centennial Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Highlands Ranch?
Douglas County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Douglas County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Highlands Ranch | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 7#789 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.14%#624 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Douglas County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Douglas County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.034% | 93% of counties |
| Hail | 0.016% | 92% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 70% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0018% | 48% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.06% | 21% 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 Highlands Ranch compare with similar-size cities?
Highlands Ranch is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #13 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 102,257.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #109 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #179 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 | 25.2 min |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #288 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 | 16.3 min |
| Conroe, TXPop. 102,360 | #630 | 56.2 | $76,206 | $1,393/mo | 263 | 28.6 min |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #53 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 | 26.7 min |
| Chico, CAPop. 102,188 | #1066 | 48.5 | $66,977 | $1,488/mo | 664 | 17.8 min |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #150 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 | 34.7 min |
| St. George, UTPop. 101,995 | #547 | 57.3 | $76,508 | $1,545/mo | 191 | 17.2 min |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #1020 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 | 19.4 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 Highlands Ranch compare with the rest of Colorado?
Highlands Ranch ranks #2 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 68 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 64% above the Colorado median. Homes are 30% above the typical Colorado home.
| City | Rank in CO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #1 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #2 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data |
| Castle Rock, COPop. 79,123 | #3 | 66.8 | $145,197 | $2,000/mo | 30 |
| Centennial, COPop. 108,201 | #4 | 65.5 | $131,928 | $2,148/mo | 192 |
| Parker, COPop. 61,783 | #5 | 63.3 | $133,369 | $2,096/mo | 192 |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #6 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #7 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 |
| Loveland, COPop. 78,410 | #8 | 60.1 | $84,604 | $1,730/mo | 163 |
| Fort Collins, COPop. 170,229 | #9 | 59.7 | $85,070 | $1,690/mo | 289 |
| Boulder, COPop. 106,433 | #10 | 59.0 | $87,493 | $2,018/mo | 354 |
| Thornton, COPop. 144,187 | #11 | 58.5 | $103,088 | $1,895/mo | 251 |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #12 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 |
| Commerce City, COPop. 66,445 | #13 | 54.8 | $111,972 | $1,880/mo | 742 |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #14 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 |
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #15 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #16 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #17 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #18 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 |
| Greeley, COPop. 110,806 | #19 | 46.4 | $69,881 | $1,388/mo | 630 |
| Pueblo, COPop. 111,561 | #20 | 42.6 | $56,664 | $1,082/mo | 1,177 |
All 20 Colorado cities we track, by overall score. Colorado statewide: median income $97,113, violent crime 421.7 per 100,000.
How is Highlands Ranch's score calculated?
Highlands Ranch scores 68 out of 100, #109 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Colorado'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, some inputs missing · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Highlands Ranch. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.9.
100.0 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Highlands Ranch. Similar-size median 53.8.
82.6 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Highlands Ranch's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
38.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Highlands Ranch's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
33.6 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Highlands Ranch. Similar-size median 51.2.
100.0 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Highlands Ranch. Similar-size median 50.1.
62.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Highlands Ranch's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
52.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
51.7 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Highlands Ranch alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Highlands Ranch.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Highlands Ranch's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Highlands Ranch 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 Highlands Ranch
Is Highlands Ranch, CO a good place to live?
Highlands Ranch ranks #109 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #13 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 20 in Colorado. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (2.9%, #1 of 256) and high household income ($159,307, #5 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,531/mo, #245 of 256) and expensive homes ($712,700, #219 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Highlands Ranch?
Highlands Ranch's cost of living index is 105.8, 6% above the US level of 100 and #981 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,531/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $694,234, 30% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
Is Highlands Ranch safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Highlands Ranch alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Highlands Ranch crime rate or rank it on safety. Colorado as a whole records 422 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Highlands Ranch?
The median household in Highlands Ranch earns $159,307, 92% above the US figure of $83,163 and 64% above Colorado ($97,113). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Highlands Ranch?
Median rent in Highlands Ranch is $2,531/mo (Census), #1252 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,597/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Highlands Ranch?
The typical home value in Highlands Ranch is $694,234, down 1.8% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $712,700.
How are the public schools in Highlands Ranch?
There is no city graduation rate for Highlands Ranch; its public schools have 17.8 students per teacher and spend $12,942 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Highlands Ranch?
The average commute is 24.2 minutes, #711 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 5.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Highlands Ranch?
Highlands Ranch averages 50.2°F over the year, 70.1°F in summer and 32.1°F in winter, with 15 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Highlands Ranch walkable?
Highlands Ranch scores 11 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #585 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 Highlands Ranch at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Douglas County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 55% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Highlands Ranch?
Douglas County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Highlands Ranch?
Highlands Ranch has 102,257 residents. The median resident of Highlands Ranch is 41.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 67.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #64 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Highlands Ranch compare with the rest of Colorado?
Highlands Ranch ranks #2 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 68 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 64% above the Colorado median. Homes are 30% above the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Highlands Ranch?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Highlands Ranch's population of 102,257 are Lee's Summit, MO (#179 overall), Bend, OR (#288 overall), Conroe, TX (#630 overall), Fishers, IN (#53 overall), and Chico, CA (#1066 overall). Highlands Ranch is #109.