Is Highlands Ranch Safe, Pros and cons of living in Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch, Colorado, offers a blend of suburban comfort and access to natural beauty, making it an appealing place to live for many. This master-planned community is situated south of Denver, providing residents with a balance of quiet residential living and proximity to urban amenities.
The community is known for its well-maintained parks, extensive trail systems, and a variety of recreational activities. Families, professionals, and retirees often find Highlands Ranch to be a desirable location due to its organized structure and community-focused approach.
Is it Safe to Live in Highlands Ranch?
Highlands Ranch generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Highlands Ranch is reported to be lower than the national average, with violent crimes also significantly below the national figures (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a community where safety is a priority, contributing to a sense of security for those living there.
While Highlands Ranch is considered safe, crime can vary by neighborhood. Some areas, particularly in the southwest part of the city, are considered safer than others, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime (as reported by AreaVibes). However, even in areas with higher crime counts, the overall statistics indicate a lower incidence compared to many other cities across the nation.
Violent Crime Statistics
The rate of violent crime in Highlands Ranch is notably lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This indicates that serious offenses are less common in the community. Residents can expect a lower likelihood of encountering violent incidents compared to the average U.S. city.
The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Highlands Ranch is approximately 1 in 571 (as reported by DoorProfit). This low probability further underscores the community’s general safety. While no place is entirely free of crime, these statistics point to a secure living environment.
Property Crime Statistics
Property crime rates in Highlands Ranch are also lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This includes offenses like burglary and theft, which are less prevalent in the community. The lower incidence of property crime contributes to the overall sense of security and well-being for residents.
The total projected cost of crime in Highlands Ranch is also reported to be lower than the state and national averages per resident (as reported by AreaVibes). This financial aspect of crime, which includes costs to the justice system and victims, further reflects the community’s relatively low crime impact.
Cost of Living in Highlands Ranch
The cost of living in Highlands Ranch is higher than the national average, reflecting its desirability and the economic conditions of the Denver metropolitan area (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute and Payscale). Housing expenses are a significant factor contributing to this higher cost.
While overall expenses are elevated, certain costs, such as utility prices, may be lower than the national average. Transportation costs, including gas prices, also tend to be slightly lower. This mix of expenses means that while the cost of living is high, some essential services might offer savings (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
Housing in Highlands Ranch comes with a premium price tag. The median home value in Highlands Ranch is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong real estate market (as reported by Data USA). This trend is consistent across various real estate platforms, with median listing prices also reflecting a substantial investment.
The median sale price of a home in Highlands Ranch was approximately $685,000 in March 2026, and this figure has seen a year-over-year decrease (as reported by Redfin). However, the median listing home price is around $715,000 (as reported by Realtor.com). This indicates that while there might be some fluctuations, homeownership in Highlands Ranch represents a considerable financial commitment.
Rental Prices
Rental costs in Highlands Ranch are also above the national average, making it one of the more expensive cities for renters in the U.S. (as reported by Zumper and Livability.com). The average rent for an apartment can vary significantly based on the number of bedrooms.
For instance, a one-bedroom apartment can average around $1,896 per month, while a two-bedroom unit might cost approximately $2,357 monthly (as reported by Livability.com). These figures highlight that securing rental accommodation in Highlands Ranch requires a substantial budget, with higher-end rentals reaching even greater amounts (as reported by Zumper).
Salaries and Income
The median household income in Highlands Ranch is considerably higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA and Livability.com). This elevated income level often correlates with the higher cost of living in the area.
The average annual salary in Highlands Ranch is reported around $52,027 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), though other sources suggest a higher average salary for jobs in Highlands Ranch, reaching approximately $72,575 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). This discrepancy might be due to different methodologies or data sets used by various reporting agencies.
Job Market and Major Employers
Highlands Ranch benefits from its proximity to Denver, offering a robust job market with diverse employment opportunities. The community itself hosts various businesses, and residents can also commute to the wider Denver metropolitan area for additional career options.
The presence of a skilled workforce and a business-friendly environment contributes to the economic vitality of Highlands Ranch. Major employers in and around the area include healthcare providers, technology companies, and retail giants, offering a range of job prospects across different sectors (as reported by Zippia and Indeed.com).
Major Employers
Key employers in the Highlands Ranch area include organizations such as HRCA (Highlands Ranch Community Association), Children’s Hospital Colorado, Diversatek Healthcare, Walmart, Target, and Starbucks (as reported by Zippia, Indeed.com, and National Space Society). These companies represent diverse industries, from healthcare and retail to community services and technology.
Other significant employers include Nasdaq, Ping Identity Corporation, and Jackson National Life Insurance Company, which are prominent in the technology and financial services sectors. The presence of these varied companies provides a broad spectrum of employment opportunities for residents (as reported by Zippia and National Space Society).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Highlands Ranch is generally low, often aligning with or being lower than both state and national averages (as reported by Niche and Douglas County Economic Development). This indicates a healthy job market where most individuals seeking employment can find it.
As of the first quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate in Douglas County, which includes Highlands Ranch, was 3.6 percent, making it one of the lowest in the Metro Denver area (as reported by Douglas County Economic Development). This low unemployment rate is a positive indicator for the economic stability of the region.
Climate in Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch experiences a semi-arid climate, characteristic of many areas in Colorado, with distinct seasons. The weather offers a range of temperatures throughout the year, from warm summers to cold, snowy winters.
The region receives a moderate amount of precipitation annually, with snowfall being a significant factor during the winter months. Residents can expect a comfortable climate for much of the year, with sunshine being a frequent element (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather).
Temperatures
The temperature in Highlands Ranch typically ranges from an average low of 22°F in the winter to an average high of 86°F in the summer (as reported by Weather and Climate). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 87°F and lows near 58°F. Conversely, December is the coldest, with average highs around 46°F and lows near 18°F (as reported by Weather and Climate).
The overall temperature variation ensures that Highlands Ranch experiences all four seasons. The comfortable range for much of the year, particularly in spring and fall, makes it pleasant for outdoor activities (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Rainfall and Snowfall
Highlands Ranch receives an average annual precipitation of about 18 inches, which includes both rain and the liquid equivalent of snow (as reported by Livability.com and Weather and Climate). May is typically the wettest month, with an average of 1.8 inches of precipitation (as reported by Weather and Climate).
Snowfall is a notable aspect of the winter climate, with an average of around 60 to 74 inches of snow annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Livability.com). The drier season generally spans from October to March, with January receiving minimal precipitation (as reported by Weather and Climate).
Education in Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch is part of the Douglas County School District and is known for its highly-rated public schools. The district is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, with several schools receiving top rankings within the state.
Families often choose Highlands Ranch due to the quality of its educational institutions, which cater to students from elementary through high school levels. The schools are equipped with dedicated teachers and offer a range of academic programs to support student success.
School Ratings
Highlands Ranch High School is ranked among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado, demonstrating strong performance in math and reading proficiency (as reported by Niche). The STEM School Highlands Ranch is also highly regarded, consistently appearing in national and state rankings for its charter school programs (as reported by Niche).
Other schools within the Douglas County School District, such as Rock Canyon High School and Mountain Vista High School, also receive high ratings, often placing them in the top tier of Colorado schools (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com). This focus on education makes Highlands Ranch an attractive option for families prioritizing academic achievement.
Demographics of Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch is a diverse community with a population of over 100,000 residents. The demographic makeup reflects a predominantly White population, with significant percentages of Hispanic and Asian residents as well (as reported by Data USA and Niche).
The community is characterized by a stable population with a median age that suggests a mix of working professionals and families. The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with a slight majority of males (as reported by Niche and Data USA).
Population and Diversity
Highlands Ranch has a population of approximately 102,000 people (as reported by Data USA). The racial composition is primarily White, making up about 78% of the population, followed by Hispanic (10%) and Asian (6%) residents (as reported by Niche).
While the community is largely composed of U.S. citizens, a small percentage of residents are foreign-born. The diversity score of local schools is noted to be slightly below the state average in some instances, though the overall racial makeup shows a varied community (as reported by Niche and Data USA).
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Highlands Ranch is around 41.5 years (as reported by Data USA and Niche). The population distribution shows a significant portion of residents in the adult age brackets, with a notable percentage of those aged 45 to 64.
Households in Highlands Ranch are typically family-oriented, with a high homeownership rate (as reported by Data USA). The average household size is around three members, reflecting a community where families are a prominent demographic.
Pros and Cons of Living in Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch offers numerous advantages, including a safe environment, strong schools, and abundant recreational opportunities. The well-planned community provides a high quality of life for its residents, with beautiful parks and trails contributing to an active lifestyle.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing expenses, is significantly higher than the national average. This can be a considerable factor for individuals or families on a tighter budget, even with a higher median income.
Pros
Highlands Ranch boasts a low crime rate, with violent and property crimes being below national averages (as reported by AreaVibes and DoorProfit). The community is also highly regarded for its excellent public schools, with many schools receiving top state rankings (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com).
The abundance of parks, trails, and recreational facilities, managed by the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA), provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and community engagement (as reported by National Space Society). This focus on lifestyle and recreation is a major draw for many residents.
Cons
The most significant drawback to living in Highlands Ranch is its high cost of living, especially concerning housing prices and rent (as reported by Livability.com, Zumper, and Payscale). While salaries are also higher than the national average, the expenses can still pose a challenge for some.
Additionally, while Highlands Ranch is generally safe, crime statistics can vary by neighborhood, and some areas may experience higher incident rates. The community’s demographic makeup is also predominantly White, which may be a consideration for those seeking a highly diverse environment (as reported by Niche).